We tell new Head Start operator to preserve stability at our centers!
“Don’t shock the kids!”
THIS JUST IN!
We Rallied in L.A.!
They Heard Us in D.C.!News of our action reached top Head Start officials in D.C.
Following Tuesday’s press conference, the national office heard our concern about ensuring a seamless transition for Head Start families and pledged to look into VOA’s actions around the transition.
On August 7, 2012, we delivered nearly 500 petition signatures from parents asking that their children’s preschool classrooms not be disrupted as Head Start program oversight passes Volunteers of America. The new operator threatens to replace entire staffs of our centers—from teachers and classroom aides to food service workers and housekeepers.
“My daughter is excited to start the new school year,” said parent Mercedes Martinez. “But these changes worry me. They shouldn’t switch out the teachers and staff. It will be very difficult for the children. My daughter has a speech impediment and through the patience and caring of the staff, she has blossomed. Now I worry that we will have to start all over again.”
Many of us have served generations of families. Parents joined us in asking that we be kept on as VOA takes over 11 Head Start centers in Compton, Lynwood, and Paramount.
CDI Head start has been a temporary operator of these programs for the past several years. The federal Office of Head Start recently awarded its grants to new agencies. The decision to award the new grants was not intended to disrupt children’s learning or cost people their jobs!
And we’ve also been left in the dark.
“I was fortunate enough to get hired,” said teacher Samantha Sareth. “But my co-teacher wasn’t. She has years of experience, a Masters degree, and knows this community. I’m sad, frustrated, and so confused. We ran a wonderful classroom together. What is the process for making these decisions? I’ve always believed it doesn’t make sense to ‘fix’ something that isn’t broken.”
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Gayle Williams accompanied by a parent tries to deliver petitions to VOA. They were finally allowed, but no one was available to speak with them. |
Let’s support our SEIU Local 99 sisters and brothers!
Call Volunteers of America President/CEO Bob Pratt at (213) 389-1500
Tell him:
- I also work in the field of education.
- Head Start programs are an institution in my community. I am extremely concerned about the health of these programs.
- I see firsthand how important a stable environment is for children to thrive.
- Please hire the existing staff at these centers and avoid causing children the completely unnecessary and disruptive shock they could face if the familiar faces vanish.
- Include Head Start parents in the process during this transition. They need more communication from you regarding staffing decisions, program schedules, start dates, and possible disruption of services they rely on.
