Celebrating 60 Years of Head Start

Hello Friends,

This October, we celebrate two important milestones: the 60^th anniversary of Head Start and Head Start Awareness Month. For six decades, Head Start has transformed the lives of millions of children and families nationwide by providing early learning, health and family support services from birth to age 5. The program continues to uplift children and families, nurturing growth, resilience and the confidence to thrive together.

We are proud to be part of this legacy at Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL). For nearly 50 years, we’ve offered Head Start and Early Head Start services in southwest Kansas. These programs play a vital role in our work to strengthen families and promote positive childhood experiences. Thousands of children and families have found not only high-quality early education but also resources, support and encouragement through our doors.

Head Start’s impact goes far beyond academics. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, research shows that children who participate in Head Start are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education and experience long-term success. Parents benefit, too. The program connects families to resources, encouraging parent leadership and creating supportive communities.

KCSL’s early childhood education programs help children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. Parents often share how these experiences shape life at home. Manny, whose daughter Alexzandria has been enrolled in our services for several years, said the program gave his family valuable skills.

“KCSL has helped my daughter grow in a lot of ways,” Manny said. “She’s learned how to handle her emotions better. The staff use something called Conscious Discipline, which helps kids understand their feelings and how to deal with them. They didn’t just teach her at school, they gave us tools and tips to use at home too. It made a real difference, she’s calmer, more understanding, and we all know better ways to help her when she’s upset.”

By equipping children and parents with strategies, KCSL helps families grow stronger together. Emotional development is just as critical as academic readiness.

What sets Head Start apart is its “whole child, whole family” approach. Staff partner with parents to support children’s development and meet each family’s unique needs. This includes health screenings, nutrition support and referrals to community services.

Over the years, Head Start has evolved to meet the changing needs of families, incorporating evidence-based practices in early learning, health and family engagement. Its comprehensive model ensures children enter school ready to succeed while parents gain confidence, skills and access to resources that strengthen the entire family.

KCSL’s nearly 50 years of providing these services show how local organizations can carry forward Head Start’s mission. Families like Manny’s remind us that early childhood education prepares children not just for school, but for life. We see the impact every day in classrooms filled with curiosity and laughter, in parents who advocate for their children, and in communities that grow stronger when families have the support they need.

As we honor this milestone, we also look to the future. The next 60 years of Head Start will be just as important as the first. Together, we can ensure that future generations of Kansas children and families benefit from this remarkable program. The combination of structured learning, emotional support and family engagement has lasting effects that ripple through generations.

Sincerely,

Gail Cozadd
KCSL CEO