Merrick Head Start was an explosion of color and creativity the other day as children and parents made sunflowers, lilies, peonies and more for their very own Flower Shop. Veggies also got some love with handmade broccoli and rocks painted to look like potatoes and carrots and more. Kids even got to plant green beans and lettuce!

A big thanks to all the parents and grandparents who came out to make this such a special day!

The school to home connection is absolutely central to the Head Start program. Parent engagement is key. It takes all hands on deck to get kids ready for kindergarten. This is especially evident in the vaunted, longstanding ‘Same Book’ program, where each year Head Start selects a single book for all sites to repeatedly read in school and at home (repetition being critical for literacy acquisition.)

This year, the Head Start staff chose the book “Chalk” – notable for its spectacular illustrations and its wordless format, allowing families from all literacy and language backgrounds to have fun reading the story of 3 kids finding a bag of magical chalk. The book along with a booklet of developmentally appropriate activities went out to every Head Start and Early Head Start family.

Also this year, a fruitful collaboration with Liverpool High School’s Community and Culinary Arts CTE programs made for some great videos, writeups, colorful bookmarks, and nutritious snacks for the kids. (We planted some promising seeds, too, with several high school participants who are considering a future career in early childhood education).

Research shows positive results for children whose parents engage with their child’s school, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic background and even educational levels. What matters is a positive attitude and presence. ‘Same Book’ facilitates that presence, helping build these critical, lasting bonds between parent and child and school where everyone wins.