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History
Head start was originally launched in the summer of 1965 as an eight-week pilot program. Its instant popularity and evident success rate caused the first summer program to explode to a present-day service population of approximately seventeen million, seven hundred and fourteen thousand (17,714,000) children and families. Several expansions took place through the years to "phase-in" a variety of options.
In 1978 Cherokee Nation was a part of the first major expansion with the addition of 57,499 children. Cherokee Nation was originally funded for six (6) centers, a total of one hundred twenty (120) children. The next big expansion for Cherokee Nation was in 1982 with additional center children and the beginning of a new option; home-based services. This option allowed children and families a Head start experience at home due to no available facilities nearby.
Currently, the Cherokee Nation operates thirty-five (35) Centers, providing services to six hundred eighty (968) Head Start children with staff of one hundred thirty-one (131). Also, Cherokee Nation operates one (1) Home-Based Early Head Start Program and eight (8) Early Head Start centers, providing services to seventy-five (75) children with staff of twenty-eight (28).
Eligibility
Program eligibility requirements include guidelines set by Section 652(a) of the Head Start Act (P.L. 101-5-1) which provides for periodic revision of poverty line. Cherokee Nation Head Start further requires a child's birth certification, immunization record, social security number & CDIB.
Head Start / Early Head Start
Income Eligibility Grid
1999-2000 |
| Family Size |
Income |
| 1 |
$8,240 |
| 2 |
$11,060 |
| 3 |
$13,880 |
| 4 |
$16,700 |
| 5 |
$19,520 |
| 6 |
$22,340 |
| 7 |
$25,160 |
| 8 |
$27,980 |
| For Each Additional Family Member Add $2,820 |
Children
Each child is given the opportunity to gain at least nine developmental months through daily activities, field trips, age appropriate lessons, etc. Special attention is given to their physical needs through medical, dental, vision, speech and hearing examinations. Follow-ups are scheduled as necessary.
Families
Resources are made available to those families in need of housing, food, clothing and other identified needs. The door is open to all parents who want to volunteer in the classroom or accompany their child on a field trip. Specific training is scheduled for parents at their request on a monthly basis. Topics include Behavior Management, First Aide, Child Development, Personal Finance & others.
Staff
The staff is provided with age appropriate materials to work with the children in a facility conducive to learning. Special arrangements are made for attending training workshops through Northeastern State University and early childhood associations. Regular trainings are scheduled throughout the year to assist in their daily interaction with children. Staff members are given the opportunity to provide peer training and enroll in early childhood coursework at nearby colleges and universities.
Evaluation
Several monitoring instruments are used to evaluate the program’s compliance. Along with the annual Cherokee Nation institutional audit are the Program Review Instrument for Systems Monitoring (PRISM), Program Information Report (PIR) and Performance Standards, State Licensing and Environmental Surveys.
- PRISM - The Program Review Instrument for Systems Monitoring is used in conjunction with the Performance Standards. The assessment process uses a systems approach, looking for integration between management systems and program services and among all program service areas.
- PIR - The Program Information Report is submitted annually in May. This report gives a profile of the current program year accomplishments and deficiencies dealing with the various components. Statistics are recorded on the number of volunteers, percentage of completed medical examinations, social services provided and staff training. The PIR is the only document that is submitted other than the annual continuation application, to the funding agency. Therefore, it is imperative that the information is accurate and conclusive. The PIR is submitted electronically.
- Licensure Requirements - Each Head Start facility is licensed through the State of Oklahoma. The staff must meet certain requirements to be employed in the child care facility, i.e., negative T.B. Test and staff sheet on file. Fire and health inspection must be documented to obtain a license, age appropriate equipment and proper indoor and outdoor equipment.
- Environmental Teams - The Cherokee Nation Environmental teams travel site-to-site monitor the classroom, kitchen and restroom facilities, as well as the playgrounds. Special attention is given to storage practices in the offices and the kitchen appliances.
All these evaluation tools are closely connected and overlap in some areas. These tools ensure compliance is maintained in daily operation.
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