Web Site:
http://wind.uwyo.edu/headstart/

Contact:
Rick Hufnagel
E-mail: rhufnage@uwyo.edu
307-766-2454

Project Description:
The Wyoming Head Start State Collaboration Project is designed to

1. foster partnerships in Wyoming to build a comprehensive early childhood system
2. assure access to services for all low-income children
3. encourage widespread collaboration between Head Start and other appropriate programs, services and initiatives
4. augment Head Start's capacity to be a partner in State initiatives on behalf of children and their families
5. facilitate the involvement of Head Start in State policies, plans, processes and decisions affecting the Head Start target population and other low income families

In the past few years the state of Wyoming has undertaken a variety of activities to improve the operation of state government, but this also changed the way services to children and families are delivered. The 1990 Wyoming Legislature created the Department of Family Services (DFS), from the Division of Public Assistance and Social Services, formerly in the Department of Health and Social Services and youth services from the former Board of Charities and Reform. Services to children with disabilities were assigned to the newly created Department of Health. While this was functional for state government, it creates challenges for children, families and service providers in Head Start programs in their attempt to collaborate for the good of all, to impact state policies and policy development and to be a full partner in the reform of children's and family services that the State of Wyoming has undertaken.

A major focus of the project will be to facilitate dialogue and develop partnerships between Head Start and the largely private sector early childhood community, the public schools, higher education, and health and social agencies providing a patchwork of services.

Nationally and in Wyoming, The success of the Head Start program is largely due to the comprehensive services provided for children and families. Head Start provides education, health, social services, parent involvement, nutrition, services to children with disabilities, and, through direct service or referral, mental health services to the families involved. There is a need to facilitate interaction between Head Start and other early childhood programs across the state. The Wyoming Project will focus on Head Start at the state and local level, building and promoting linkages and leadership. Encouraging dialogue and discussion between these various sectors is the first step toward working together.

Funded by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.

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