Our Mission.
The Montana Head Start Association brings together families, staff, directors and friends of all Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Montana, to provide leadership, education, information and advocacy on behalf of young children, pregnant women, and families throughout Montana.
About Montana Head Start.
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The Montana Head Start Association is a statewide membership organization with membership including Early Head Start and Head Start programs, staff, and families.
Montana Head Start programs serve children from zero to five, expectant parents and work with families to support children who thrive and are ready for school. Programs currently are offered in 37 counties, including 5 Tribal programs and serve thousands of Montana children and families.
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• Quality Education that is Developmentally Appropriate
• Health & Nutrition Services
• Family Support Services/Connection to Community Resources
• Parent Engagement Activities
• Services for children with special needs/disabilities
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• Karen Filipovich. Executive Director
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• Ashley Pena, President
• Bev Matsko, Vice-President
• Barb Brophy, Treasurer
Since 1965, programs have enhanced:
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School Readiness:
Children have better physical health, improved social skills, and increased math, language, and literacy skills that prepares them for school.
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Social-Emotional Development:
Head Start children show fewer behavioral problems, are less hyperactive, and are less aggressive. In the long-term, Head Start children are less likely to engage in criminal activities as young adults.
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Child Welfare:
Head Start are children less likely to be involved in the child welfare system and experience lower rates of abuse and neglect. For children already involved in the child welfare system, Head Start participation decreases subsequent encounters and enhances school-readiness and social-emotional outcomes.
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Parent Advancement:
Head Start enhances parents’ education level, employment status, and income. It also improves parents’ skills, reduces parental stress, and improves overall family stability and self sufficiency.
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Success in Early Head Start:
Early Head Start children perform better on a wide range of cognitive measures, have better social skills, and exhibit significantly fewer behavioral problems and incidents of aggression. These children have better access to health care and parental engagement.
“Young Families Early Head Start has saved my life! Without them, I wouldn’t be able to finish school and pursue college.”
— Parent, Young Families Early Head Start Billings