Frequent bending, lifting and carrying children, and moving equipment places particular physical strains on staff. Staff experience many unique demands in their work with young children. It is important that Head Start programs serving children from birth to 5 and their families consider ways to support the physical health, safety, and wellness of their staff. Often, the Head Start workforce reports their own trauma-like symptoms or emotional duress due to consistently hearing about the traumatic experiences of the children and families they serve. Some Head Start staff have the added challenge of working with children who have experienced trauma while also managing their own history of trauma. Higher rates of depression among adults have also been linked with poorer child outcomes and less positive family-teacher relationships. This could, in turn, relate to lower quality interactions and care. Research indicates Head Start staff who experience frequent stress or symptoms of depression are more likely to perceive children in their care in a less positive light. Staff who are happier, healthier, less stressed, and experience less depression are able to engage in higher quality interactions with children. OHS recognizes the importance of promoting wellness so that all staff in the Head Start workforce can be successful in achieving their goals and fostering positive outcomes for children and families. We know from research - and from staff themselves - that Head Start staff love their work and are committed to the infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children and the families they serve, despite the work-related stresses and challenges the staff face. Staff wellness, also referred to as well-being, refers to staff’s mental and physical health and how it shapes their engagement, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Prioritizing Staff Wellness in Head Start Programs As such, OHS is committed to a culture of wellness that includes holistic support for the entire Head Start workforce. Further, 60% of Head Start teaching staff are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and 30% have a primary language other than English. All staff have been impacted by COVID-19. These are particularly important concerns for OHS and the Head Start workforce. There has also been heightened attention to racial injustice in our country, which has led to calls for major reforms to address long-standing societal inequities. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disparate impact on under-resourced communities, including many of those served by Head Start programs. The last year has brought significant challenges to the Head Start workforce. This Information Memorandum (IM) describes the importance of, and requirements and recommendations for, building a culture of wellness across all Head Start programs. As programs continue to move toward fully in-person services and address challenges brought on or worsened by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, prioritizing staff well-being is essential for all Head Start programs. Successfully supporting staff starts with staff wellness. OHS is committed to promoting and prioritizing needed supports for staff. It is also a critical component in the ability to address the diverse and individualized needs of Head Start children and families. Staff wellness is vital to child well-being. Each staff person across the Head Start workforce has the immense responsibility of performing a job that supports young children’s early learning, health, mental health, and family well-being. The Office of Head Start (OHS) recognizes the importance of every individual in the birth to 5 Head Start workforce and the essential role of program staff in the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive services to enrolled infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and their families.
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