1. FNA Early Head Start Creating an Awareness for the Future of Early Childhood Angela Foster-Snow 3/6/09

2. FNA Early Head Start Program Description~ FNA Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally and state funded community-based program for low-income, high needs families with infants and toddlers and pregnant women; through a delivery focusing on the cultural identity of all ethnic groups, with an emphasis on Alaska Native cultures. Our mission is simple~ Through early intervention we will provide high quality child development, health, education and nutrition services within a safe, culturally sensitive learning environment through relationship based practices.

3. A Place for Families to Grow… FNA Early Head Start serves 40 children within the Center Base option and 101 Children within the Head Start/ Early Head Start Home Base option. Through these options, we are given opportunities to empower our parents to be the strongest advocates for their children.

4. However our program is changing… Over the past 4 years we have seen a dramatic increase in the following: Homelessness Children coming into EHS with a IFSP or Diagnosis Number of children waiting for services We are no longer able to meet the needs of our Community.

5. What can we do??? Build relationships with community Partners that provide information and Services to our families in need. Reach out to our homeless families and Let them know that there is a safe place For their child, regardless of income. Look at opportunities for expansion.

6. What is happening at the Federal Level… Earmarked Stimulus dollars for Early Head Start and Head Start, as well as many other Early Childhood programs will help to open the doors to many families in need. $1 Billion for Head Start, allocated according to the current statutory formula, and $1.1 Billion for Early Head Start, to be awarded on a competitive basis for expansion of existing programs.

7. In a court case “Moore vs. State” filed back in 2004 between some rather frustrated parents and the State of Alaska over the educational disparity between what the state defines and what it actually provides, Superior Court Judge Sharon Gleason ruled at the end of January 09, that the State would have 60 days to improve the conditions for rural students or else the court may very well make the decisions for them. According to the Anchorage Daily News, February 11, 2009; “the state has a duty to step up when the school board is failing at its job”. According to the Anchorage Daily NewsAccording to the Anchorage Daily News As a result, Sarah Palin and the Education Department are currently asking the Legislature to spend an additional $2.8 million on Early Childhood programs. At the State Level: A recent Court Decision validates the affects of the absence of positive Early Childhood Education in the State of Alaska At the State Level: A recent Court Decision validates the affects of the absence of positive Early Childhood Education in the State of Alaska

8. At the State level… Two House Bills are currently addressing the needs of children and families. House Bill 69: This bill would be known as the “Alaska Parents as Teachers Act.” "An Act establishing in the Department of Education and Early Development a voluntary parent education home visiting program for pre-elementary aged children; that provide developmental education for children and families within their own home or a pre- determined location, in combination with monthly socialization opportunities. House Bill 59: This bill would require the Alaska Department of Education to devise an early childhood education plan for children 3 and 4 years old. This multifaceted bill would be a way for Alaska to implement the Universal Pre-K Philosophy with the guidance of existing programs.

9. Community Level… Child Care assistance rates are just within the last year, up to 50% of the actual cost. This means that if the cost is $1000.00 per month, for a infant or toddler; our families would have to come up with $500.00 out of pocket. (Again, this is for each infant/ toddler in care.) (Again, this is for each infant/ toddler in care.) Not many families are able to make that type of financial commitment.

10. In the past 3 years, 6 Early Childhood Centers have closed along with numerous Family Child Care Homes leaving over 500 children looking to replace quality, affordable, licensed care. The FNA Early Head Start Wait pool has currently over 80 children waiting for services. Supervisors, businesses, and FNA Programs are effected by this lack of care. This absence of care often prevents parents from working, or working without focus, and therefore perpetuates the cycle of our low income families.

11. At the Program Level…  FNA Early Head Start is preparing to expand.

12. Now that we have shared this information with you… Pass it ON! Our Community needs to create an awareness of the need for quality, affordable, child development programs. Sharing your personal story or the information we just talked about with your neighbors, supervisors, and of course your legislators is imperative. Awareness is the key to change! Lynda Page, Alaska EHS Teacher of the Year 2008-2009