For more than 60 years, Head Start has inspired pride in all of us who dedicate our work to uplifting this remarkable community. Most importantly, it has transformed the lives of children and families across the nation. Head Start has served as an economic engine—creating local jobs, nurturing future educators, business owners, and community leaders. It has been a trailblazer in early childhood innovation, saving millions in educational costs by identifying learning needs early and closing achievement gaps that might otherwise have gone unnoticed in traditional systems.

Head Start has also offered first and second chances to families facing economic hardship, connecting them with essential community services, empowering parents with the skills to nurture their children’s growth, and building bridges to elementary education. Above all, it has ensured that every child and family is treated with dignity, respect, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

To celebrate this milestone, Head Start WEST set out to elevate stories of everyday excellence—from southern Arizona to northern California, across the Hawaiian Islands, and through the rural communities of Nevada. In each location, we’ve highlighted examples that showcase the hard work and unwavering dedication of our staff and partners. We have also made recommendations on each topic with an eye on continued improvement. These stories represent just a few among the thousands that could be told from the hundreds of programs across the West. We hope you enjoy these reflections of Head Start’s enduring spirit—and that you’ll take a moment to share your own stories of pride and purpose in this incredible movement.

You can find the whole booklet here or by clicking the image above!