14 Oct A Letter of Gratitude to Head Start Educators: Celebrating 60 Years of Impact

Dear Head Start Educators, 

This year marks a remarkable milestone: 60 years of the Head Start program. Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has touched the lives of more than 40 million children and families. From its earliest days as part of the War on Poverty to today’s national network of early learning, health, and family support programs, Head Start has been a beacon of hope and opportunity. 

Across the country this year, celebrations are honoring this anniversary, and rightly so—because Head Start is not just a program. It is a promise. A promise that children—no matter their background—deserve a strong start. A promise that families should never feel alone. And a promise that, together, communities can break cycles of poverty and create brighter futures. 

For me, Head Start is more than a professional connection—it has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first began attending Head Start conferences in the early 2000s, not as an Educational Consultant, but as a child helping my mom at the Active Parenting booth. My mother served as an Educational Consultant for many years, and I grew up watching her engage with educators, hearing the stories of impact, and sensing the deep love and pride Head Start alumni and leaders felt for this program. Even as a child, those stories left an impression on me. 

Now, more than 20 years later, I find myself continuing the work my mother once did. For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an Educational Consultant myself, representing Active Parenting at Head Start events and carrying forward the same mission of supporting educators with tools to empower families. In many ways, my journey with Head Start has come full circle. What started as a child standing beside my mom at a booth has grown into a lifelong calling to serve alongside you. 

As an exhibitor at conferences, I’ve had the honor of listening to countless stories from educators, parent leaders, and alumni who stop by to share their experiences. Alumni speak of the stability Head Start gave them in childhood, often with tears in their eyes as they recall being the first in their families to graduate high school or college. Others proudly share that they’ve returned to Head Start as educators themselves, eager to give back to the program that gave them so much. These stories, heard over decades, have shown me one undeniable truth: Head Start changes lives. 

And behind every one of these stories is you. 

The real heroes of this 60-year legacy are the educators, parent leaders, and program staff who give of themselves endlessly. While Active Parenting is honored to provide resources like The First Five Years, it is you who make the difference. You are the ones guiding parents through challenges, celebrating each child’s growth, and creating safe, supportive spaces where families can flourish. You don’t just deliver lessons—you give hope. You don’t just manage classrooms—you transform lives. 

I also know these are not easy times. Chronic underfunding, staffing shortages, and shifting policies create uncertainty and strain. Yet, despite these challenges, you continue to show up with resilience, love, and generosity. You stand in the gap for families who need you most, and that is nothing short of extraordinary. 

So as we celebrate 60 years of Head Start, this is also a celebration of you. Because behind every diploma, every thriving family, and every success story is an educator who cared enough to make it possible. 

From the bottom of my heart—and on behalf of Active Parenting—thank you. Thank you for your compassion, your belief in families, and your tireless commitment to children. You are not only educators—you are builders of futures, shapers of communities, and the quiet heroes of this extraordinary movement. 

Here’s to honoring the last 60 years of Head Start—and to the next 60 years of hope, courage, and transformation that will carry this legacy forward. 

With deep gratitude,
Eryn Hopkins
Educational Consultant, Active Parenting Publishers