Supporters fight for Head Start’s survival

Written by Susan Hunter

Saturday, 02 April 2011 22:09

ANSONIA — The message came across loud and clear from parents, teachers and legislators on Saturday.

“You do need Head Start,” said Maria Luiza Mazzacco, head teacher at the Early Care and Education Center run by Team Inc. in Ansonia.

She echoed those who spoke out at a gathering at the Center that included U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-3) and Dr. Edward Zigler, a founder of the National Head Start program.

They met to discuss the impact of proposed Republican federal budget reductions that would cut more than $1 billion in funding from the 45-year-old Head Start program that offers full and half day programs offering skills development, health screening, meals and child care for at-risk children ages three to five.

The cuts would result in 1,500 Connecticut children losing access to programs like the one run at the Team center on Howard Avenue. More than 16,000 classrooms would close nationwide.

Since the program began, more than 18 million children and families have reaped its benefits.

“Head Start is a great thing,” Mazzacco said. “The children have their first contact with social rules, friends and healthy habits.”

Aleena Thomas of Ansonia has two children in the program, said it lives up to its name.

“It’s a head start for them,” Thomas said. “The teachers have a joy and passion for teaching the kids. They’re not here for the paycheck.”

Her son Domenick is more independent and verbal since starting the program.

“He stands up for himself,” said Thomas, whose two older children also attended the Head Start program.

“It’s pretty good when you have a job and can’t afford to put them in daycare,” she said. Families pay a sliding fee based on income.

The Team Head Start program features a science center, math activities, a theater group, a listening center, a library, a water table, computers and two outdoor playgrounds. Children receive vision and hearing screenings, speech therapy and dental hygiene education.

Head Start has lost supporters in Washington, such as former Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, DeLauro said.

“We need to fill a void,” she said. “We have some challenges that confront us. It is a battle. We need your help. Head Start is unquestionably the most effective early childhood development program every developed. But it is on the chopping block. While I agree that we need to reduce the deficit, we should not start with reckless cuts to our children’s educations.”

The program benefits the economy, she said, since children who receive intervention are more likely to graduate from high school and gain employment.

“Children’s development is a national responsibility,” said Zigler, who was involved in developing the Head Start program in 1965 as a member of the planning committee.

The goal was, and is, to prepare children for school.

“Does Head Start work? The answer from the data is a resounding ‘yes,’” he said. “Head Start is a two-generational program,” he said, for children and parents. “If children don’t have Head Start, it will impact them throughout their lives.”

Family, health, education and a child care system are the most important factors in a child’s development, he said, and they’re central to Head Start.

“Early intervention works,” said state Rep. Linda Gentile (D-104).

“Rosa needs your help,” she said, addressing the parents at Saturday’s event. “Legislators have to hear from each and every one of you. Let them know it’s working for your children.”

State Rep. Linda Gentile (D-104) and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3) spend time with a youngster in the Head Start classroom. (Photo by Susan Hunter)

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