Become an Advocate for Kansas Kids: Support Kansas Head Start Association!

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By Kansas Head Start Association

Verified organization Keep it all Lawrence, KS, US Report

“Head Start makes a difference. We are a hope provider.” –Head Start Employee

Kansas Head Start Association Needs Your Help

Become an Advocate for Kansas Children!

When you give to Kansas Head Start Association (KHSA), every dollar helps KHSA provide Kansas Early Head Start and Head Start programs with the resources and advocacy they need to focus on the children and families they serve. Every dollar makes a difference!

“At Head Start, my daughter and the other children are learning a mindset that helps them care for others and understand how we are all part of an interconnected community . I am amazed to see the little ways they are learning to care for each other. They are eager to share mittens to make sure everyone is covered for recess. She is learning that we all benefit when everyone has their needs met. It may seem small but it is an important mindset to learn moving forward. This mindset is contagious and helps make for a better community.” –DW, Parent Advocate

Head Start's Impact Across Kansas

“After I became a single mom, I was living in a camper with my three boys. I had no idea which direction to go. Head Start has given me hope and a healthy direction. I now know the possibilities are limitless.” –KB, Parent

“I remember doing a home visit for a child who had a very young mother. When I walked inside the home I could tell they did not have much, they only had a folding chair in their living room. Mom explained that they were in an abusive relationship and had to leave in the middle of the night. I could tell that she was so determined to improve her life. She got a job, took night classes, and eventually went to nursing school. A few years after we first met, I was at the local clinic and I looked up and saw that sweet little mom. She had done it! She was working as a nurse and was completely self-sufficient!” --Head Start Home Visitor

“For the past three years in Head Start, I’ve watched my children grow fast. Me being involved in their classroom made me learn how to talk and interact with my children. Not having good examples when I was younger, now I’m older and a single father of two boys, and I have grown a lot as a father with skills, communication ability, and also to teach my kids to be more independent.” –CA, Parent

“Head Start has an impact on a child’s development. I watched a three year old, who entered Head Start only able to repeat what she heard, go on to gain speech/language skills and tell wild, creative stories by the time she was five.” –Head Start Employee

KHSA Supports ALL Kansas Early Head Start and Head Start Programs

In many of our Kansas communities, Head Start programs are crucial to the health and well-being of children and families. Each day, the staff at these programs work incredibly hard to improve school-readiness, foster healthy growth and development, and increase opportunities for Kansas families to thrive.

At KHSA, we:

Represent the critical impact, challenges, and resource needs of Kansas Head Start programs to local, state, and national decision-makers.
Develop and sustain partnerships with other Kansas early-childhood networks to make resources, supports, and opportunities available to Head Start leadership and staff, easing some of their challenges so they can focus on offering high-quality, early education services to children and families.
Connect parents to opportunities to advance their own leadership and advocacy skills, as we know that the collective impact of all of us working together (parents, staff, and KHSA) is greater than any one program alone.

“My daughter and I fled an abusive marriage when she was a toddler. I needed help finding resources in our new location and maintaining a routine for her. Head Start has helped us develop, learn, and grow in a healthy environment. My daughter wants to be a teacher, a doctor, and a mommy when she grows up.” –EB, Parent Advocate

“Head Start staff are determined to work with fellow early childhood programs in the communities to best serve the children in the area. If all programs work together, our communities can thrive and all children will receive high quality education.” –Head Start Director

KHSA is the Only Organization in Kansas that Provides these Unique Resources and Supports

“Head Start provides support to parents in navigating the challenges of parenting. Head Start provides children with experiences and opportunities to grow and learn along with their peers and their family. Head Start offers staff opportunities to learn and grow, and make a difference every day. Head Start offers something for everyone!” –Head Start Employee

Founded in 1997, the Kansas Head Start Association is a non-profit organization supporting and strengthening the impact of 26 publicly funded Head Start grantees across Kansas communities. KHSA does not offer direct services to children but rather strengthens the impact of the organizations that do.

At KHSA, we operate behind the scenes, advancing the interests of the programs, and keeping their needs and strengths in the spotlight. We advance the collective interests of Kansas Head Start families, staff, and programs. We contribute to efforts that strengthen the broader early childhood system in Kansas.

Your Donation to KHSA Helps Us Continue this Vital Contribution

Help KHSA Make A Difference

Every dollar you give goes to cover the costs to provide Kansas Early Head Start and Head Start programs the services and advocacy they need in order to focus on the children and families they serve. Every dollar makes a difference!

“I love being part of something that makes a difference. I am learning all the time.” –Head Start Employee