My Head Start Story

Your #HeadStartStoryCA Matters

Head Start California is working hard to increase public awareness of California’s Head Start community, provide better service to our members, and engage more deeply and collaboratively with the larger early childhood care and education community in California and across the country.

To prepare for Head Start Awareness Month (in October) we are collecting stories now. We want to hear your stories about how Head Start has impacted YOU.

The stories received will help Head Start California continue to spread awareness about all of the great things Head Start does. Head Start California is working year-round to advocate for Head Start programs throughout the state.

All stories submitted by October 15, 2021 will be entered into a random drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card! (stories must include a photo to be eligible).

Choose your role below and submit your Head Start Story!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are you collecting Head Start stories?

A: We are collecting stories to demonstrate the impact of Head Start and to help decision-makers and influencers to see why it’s so important to increase opportunities so that more families can participate in Head Start programs in California.

Q: What will you do with my story and who will see it?

A: Head Start California may distribute the stories we collect in a variety of forms and promotional channels including, but not limited to: social media posts, newsletters, flyers, posters, brochures, advertisements, fundraising letters, annual reports, press kits and submissions to journalists, websites, social networking sites and other print and digital communications. The people who may read your story may include: lawmakers, policy makers, community members, early childhood education advocates, and the general public.

Q: Do you have an example of what a finished piece might look like?

A: Take a look at these Head Start Stories submitted last year!

Q: What is the deadline to submit my story?

A: We want to collect as many stories as we can to share out in the month of October, which is National Head Start Awareness Month. However, we are happy to collect and distribute stories all year long!

Q: How long should my story be?

A: Please tell your story concisely in no more than 1,000 words. If necessary, we may condense or use only parts of your story so they fit appropriately in certain mediums.

Q: Can I submit photos from my Head Start program that includes children?

A; Yes! If your photos include other people, we will reach out to you to obtain consent. If the photos include other children, we will need to obtain parental consent. If the story is about you, please submit a photo from when you were a child, and a photo of you today.