—Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
Governor Calvo Recognizes Guam’s Head Start Programs
Governor Calvo and Lt. Governor Tenorio proclaimed October as Head Start Month. Head Start is a program within the Guam Department of Education that helps low-income families provide their children a head start on learning in the classroom. This is done to introduce children to a social setting they may not have at home that prepares them emotionally and socially for elementary school.
Aside from preparing children for school, head start also encourages their parents to take an active role in their children’s education by volunteering for class activities, participating in the parent group monthly meetings, or taking a role as a classroom assistant, bus attendant, or office helper.
Give Your Child a Head Start
The Guam Head Start office always is willing to help. If you would like to see if your child is eligible for the program call the Head Start office at 475-0484 or 300-1604. You can also get more information about the Head Start Program by logging on to their website: www.gdoe.net/headstart.
Parents can also visit the Parent Resource Office located at the Asan Community Center, which is open from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Head Start Testimonials
The Head Start Program is asking former parents and students to submit their stories of how Head Start helped their family succeed. You can submit your testimonial online at www.gdoe.net/headstart or by contacting the head start office at 300-1604.
The following paragraphs are personal statements from parents who had children in the Head Start Program:
“Head Start makes going to school fun. My son always sings songs and talks about new things he has learned. I think the atmosphere is relaxing because my shy son talks to his teachers and classmates when he usually does not speak up to others. Before he does not like to say his age. He used to say, ‘I’m only 3 so I can stay home!’ Now he tells me, ‘It is okay mommy I am 5 now, so I can learn to write my name and learn to read!’ He is eager to draw or color now. Last time he asked to buy school things to make the rooms look like school.”
– Alma Delin, Barrigada
“Genevieve has always been a very active and curious child, and as an only child she is spoiled. Upon starting the Head Start program, Genevieve was not able to keep still even for a few moments, her concentration was lacking and she was used to getting her way. Under the tutelage of Mrs. Artero and Ms. San Miguel in CL Taitano we have seen an improvement in Genevieve’s motor skills, behavior, and articulation in the few short weeks that she has been in the program.
Mrs. Artero and Ms. San Miguel are very encouraging, compassionate and patient. We are amazed at the rate of Genevieve’s development since starting the head start program. She can sit at a table and do activities, not for a very long time but for a few minutes, which is a start. As parents, we have also benefited from the program, Mrs. Artero and Ms. San Miguel are very considerate and informative. They encourage the parents to be active in the program by way of monthly meetings, and participating in class activities with the children. Their concern for the child extends beyond that of the classroom. In the parent/teacher meetings we discussed forms of discipline, behavior modification, and activities we can do at home to further improve Genevieve’s learning process, building upon her curiosity to prepare Genevieve not just for kindergarten, but giving her that ‘head start’ in life!”
– Jonathan and Amanda Abian, Chalan Pago
*****End of Release*****