Head Start Awareness Week wrap-up

Today's the last day of Head Start Awareness Week. OSEA hopes you enjoyed visiting this blog and that you were able to use the flyer and desktop background in your celebrations. Please let us know if there's anything you would like to see from OSEA during next year's celebrations.

Facts about Head Start in Oregon

According to Oregon Head Start, 11,938 children are enrolled in the state's 42 programs.

Oregon Head Start also estimates more than 5,000 children and families are waiting to enroll in Head Start and Early Head Start.

These statistics point out the important role Head Start plays in the lives of Oregonians.

A simple logo illustrates Head Start's mission

Have you ever wondered why the Head Start logo looks the way it does? Although it's a simple design, a lot of thought went into what the logo signifies. 

According to National Head Start, the two squares suggest building blocks and represent early childhood. The arrangement of the blocks represent stairs by which this can be accomplished.

The vertical strips represent the child and parent, while the arrow pointing upward represents the direction out of poverty and on to the future.

Finally, the colors red, white and blue represent the United States and the many opportunities it provides for its citizens.

The beauty of Head Start Awareness Week is it gives us all a chance to reflect on Head Start's important mission -- a mission that's encapsulated in such a simple image.

Did you know?

Here's a fun fact: National Head Start began as a summer program through local public schools in 1965. Its initial funding was $96.4 million with 561,000 enrolled children. In more than 40 years, Head Start has grown into a highly successful federal program with more than $6 billion in funding, and it has enrolled more than 27 million children since its inception.

Let's celebrate Head Start and the staff members and administrators who have made it a success!

What does Head Start mean to you?

Today is the beginning of Head Start Awareness Week. We thought it would be a good time to ask you what Head Start means to you. We know Head Start helps thousands of Oregon's children get the health care and education they need to make their dreams come true. But we don't know your story. How has this vital state and federal program affected you or other people you know? Please share.

One day to go

Where did the time go? It seemed like Head Start Awareness Week was a long ways off. To our surprise, the first day of Head Start Awareness Week is tomorrow. So, don't overdo the Halloween celebrations tonight. Save some energy for Head Start!

We'd also like to remind you to visit this blog throughout the week for updates on Head Start Awareness Week and to post comments.

Share your photos

As Head Start Awareness Week progresses, we're sure many of you will take photos. Send us your photos at info@osea.org with the subject line "Head Start Awareness Week 2011," and we'll post the best on this blog.