NHSA Onsite: A Glimpse into NHSA Deputy Director Tommy Sheridan’s Head Start Site Visits
By: Tommy Sheridan, National Head Start Association Deputy Director
NHSA Deputy Director Tommy Sheridan is on a road trip from New Mexico to Minnesota and he’s sharing stories and takeaways from stops at Head Start programs along the route. Follow along in real time with #NHSAonSite.
The number one thing I missed most during the last year is seeing Head Start programs in action. This week I am making my way from Taos, New Mexico, to St. Paul, Minnesota, and visiting as many programs as I can. I am attending policy council meetings, visiting with program directors and center staff, seeing kids delighted to be back in their classrooms, and talking about the successes, the challenges, and the bigger picture of early childhood education at a few state houses along the way.
My first stop was a Policy Council meeting at Youth Development Inc. in Taos. Head Start Policy Councils give parents leadership positions and active roles in shaping their children’s early learning experiences. I was inspired by this group’s engagement and their ideas for the upcoming program year.
Next up was a visit to Presbyterian Medical Services, Inc., in Santa Fe where Director of Children’s Services Michelle Quintana and I talked about data utilization, continuous quality improvement, and the need for Head Start to modernize eligibility.
Before hitting the road, I had the chance to meet with New Mexico Secretary for Early Childhood Education Elizabeth Groginsky and Deputy Secretary Jennifer Duran-Salle to discuss the incredible work going on in their state ECE department. They are using COVID-19 relief funds to ensure families earning up to 350% of the federal poverty guideline are able to access child care. We are so thankful for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Secretary Groginsky’s leadership and support for Head Start and high-quality early childhood education for all. Their steadfast commitment shows how children and families stand to benefit from this level of funding, collaboration, and commitment.
One of the most important things I have discussed with programs so far is how they have used and intend to use their American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. As we look ahead to fiscal year 2022 appropriations and a potential infrastructure package, it is critical to show the Administration how funds have helped and where there are persistent needs. Even if I won’t make it to your program on this trip, NHSA wants to hear about your ARP spending — share your stories with us.
Looking forward to more visits and more gorgeous views in the week ahead!
