Higher Horizons

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FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE

The Office of Head Start launched The Fatherhood Initiative in response to the Clinton Administration’s June 1995 introduction of a government-wide initiative to strengthen the role of fathers in families. Parent involvement is an essential part of Head Start and Early Head Start, and fathers are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program. Fathers who become more involved can help Head Start programs become more effective in achieving positive outcomes for children.

Research shows children who have active fathers in their lives:

are much more likely to stay in school, do well academically, and go to college
have a stronger development of empathy
have a higher self-esteem
showed fewer signs of depression
have a stronger sense of social acceptance

The 2004 National Head Start Institute on Father Involvement marked the first time that the Head Start Bureau (HSB) brought together leaders of every Head Start and Early Head Start program in the nation to focus on enhancing father involvement. Through the Institute and other related activities, the Head Start Bureau will ensure that local Head Start program leadership, staff, and parents have the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen families and support the ongoing involvement of fathers in Head Start, and in the lives of their children. This, in turn, will contribute to the healthy development of and improved outcomes for children.

The goals of the Institute were to:

Ensure that all Head Start programs and staff understand the beneficial impact of father involvement on the development and well-being of children
Facilitate the effective involvement of fathers in the lives of Head Start children
Showcase and build on best practices regarding fatherhood
Present information and training that is based on research, grounded in practical application, and consistent with the cultural diversity of the Head Start community

Participants include program leaders and father involvement or parent involvement specialists, as well as parents. These individuals play a key role in creating or enhancing effective father involvement plans in their local programs and bringing about system change which may be necessary to achieve that end.

The Institute program was organized around Five Building Blocks for Father Involvement:

How Fathers Give Children a Head Start
Father Involvement in Head Start
Strengthen Your Foundation to Work with Fathers
Plan for the Success of Your Fatherhood Program
Bring Your Fatherhood Plan to Life

This conference provided the framework for the “Father Factor” program design at Higher Horizons. Ernesto Alas, former Head Start parent was featured in “Building Blocks for Father Involvement” a video highlighting his journey as a father in the United States.

“ The Father Factor”

Higher Horizons’ approach to promoting male involvement involves the following:

Father Peer -Discussion Groups – Father peer-discussion groups create an atmosphere that will promote meaningful discussions on fatherhood that will prove helpful to fathers.
Male Involvement Activities/Trips – Higher Horizons sponsors activities and special outings specifically for fathers and their children to encourage male involvement.

Resources

Father Involvement in Head Start and Early Head Start
The Father Factor: National Head Start Institute on Father Involvement
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center - Fatherhood