VOICES FROM THE FIELD

• Main Authors: Peel B, Head Start Policy, Bev Peel, Service Perspective
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.536.1095; http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/pages/PDF/PeelANGps.pdf

communities. Each one serves only about 15 children and is run with the unique needs of the community it serves in mind. In this light, these Head Start programs differ significantly from the large, often multicultural Head Start programs typically seen in major U.S. cities. The CEECD Encyclopedia articles on Head Start policy focus on research done in the Head Start programs based in large, disadvantaged urban centres.1,2 Still, they do offer some insight that can be useful for programs based in small Saskatchewan First Nation communities. The CEECD Encyclopedia articles are encouraging in that they provide empirical evidence for what many workers in the field know instinctively to be true – that the Head Start programs are cost effective2 and offer positive long-term results1,2. Zigler also highlights the fact that it is difficult to produce meaningful, multifaceted, long-term change with only a few months of intervention,3 which is information field workers can bring to policy makers to support requests for funding for extended programs. Currently, Saskatchewan Head Start programs in small First Nations communities offer only a one-year program for children aged three, but a future goal