Quality Outcomes for Early Childhood
The first five years of a child’s life are so important to their development. That’s why the quality of early childhood care and education during this time is critical—it shapes how their brains grow and helps them develop life-long learning skills.
Brightpoint Head Start helps children prepare for the transition to kindergarten—and academic and social success beyond that—by providing the quality preschool experience children need. Every classroom follows a routine that includes meals, reading, playtime, and more.
A federal early childhood program, Brightpoint Head Start tracks outcomes demonstrating their quality programming and children’s school readiness.
School Readiness Outcomes
Approaches to Learning
Children will have the ability to successfully self-regulate in a variety of situations both emotionally and cognitively allowing children to express themselves in words and actions.Social and Emotional Development
Children will create and sustain meaningful relationships with adults and other children.Language and Communication
Children will use language to speak in complete sentences, tell and re-tell stories, use verbal humor, and engage in group discussions.Literacy
Children will recognize that language is structured into sounds and symbols.Mathematic Development
Children will recognize numbers and quantities, their relationships, and operations.Scientific Reasoning
Children will have scientific knowledge about the natural and physical worlds, allowing them to successfully reason, analyze, observe, and problem-solve.Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development
Children will have skills to move effectively to perform tasks, coordinate movements, and have the knowledge to use safe, healthy behaviors and routines.
“Evaluation of all our programs is core to who we are—you might say it is part of our DNA,” explained Steve Hoffman, Brightpoint Executive Director. “As a Community Action Agency, we are subject to a robust set of organizational standards that we must maintain daily, and our Head Start program is no different. All our evaluation processes help determine the organization's future direction and become the foundation of our strategic planning.”
National Recognition
Last year, Brightpoint’s Head Start program received Program of Excellence Accreditation through the National Head Start Association.
The Program of Excellence recognizes and supports the outstanding performance of Head Start grant recipients nationwide who demonstrate excellence in program management and service and support robust, positive outcomes for children birth-to-five, pregnant people, families, and the communities where they live.
To earn the five-year accreditation, 41 indicators of excellence designating high quality must be demonstrated, including leadership; effective and efficient management; transparent and sound fiscal stewardship; informed, responsible, and responsive program governance; meaningful partnerships with parents and families; highly experienced and educated staff; state-of-the-art programming; and quality services that reflect and respond to the aspirations and needs of children and families.
“Quality is key to everything we do,” said Steve. “We’re invested in kids’ futures, which means we also prioritize developing partnerships with their parents and families. We provide various assistance from crisis intervention to building assets.”
The Head Start program, and supporting the participating families, complements the seven interconnected life areas that Brightpoint focuses on:
Family Well Being
Positive Parent-Child Relationships
Families as Lifelong Educators
Families as Lifelong Learners
Family Engagement in Transitions
Connections to Peers and Community
Families as Advocates
These areas comprehensively affect our resident’s abilities to live happy, healthy lives.
LaQueisha Brown’s Story
LaQueisha grew up in a family that endured financial hardships. At 16 years old, she had her first child and began working as a vocational high-school intern for Brightpoint Head Start.
Through Brightpoint, LaQueisha received emotional support as she became a new parent, skills training through her first internship, and, eventually, access to financial tools to start her own business.
LaQueisha’s journey was unique to her needs. Brightpoint became a valuable partner as she gained parenting skills, pursued higher education, became an entrepreneur, advanced in her career, and now serves in a leadership role on the Brightpoint board of directors and is the general manager of Pontiac Street Market.
“I knew my journey wasn’t just about hard work—that wasn’t the answer to everything,” shared LaQueisha. “Through the years, I’ve had support in one way or another from Brightpoint programs, including Head Start, utility assistance, child care assistance, financial classes, and a small business loan from Brightpoint Development Fund that allowed me to open my own catering business. Working to reach flexible and attainable goals together was an incredible feeling.”
Throughout LaQueisha’s life, Brightpoint offered her tools, connections, and resources to give her family a better financial foundation than she had growing up.
Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition, Brightpoint, and thank you for the difference you make in the lives of Allen County residents!