Alyssa Mendoza BROWNSVILLE – An early education program’s policies have remained untouched for almost 63 years, until now, leaving local organizations to deal with the changing landscape.
Niños Incorporations, a non-profit local organization, is determined to make this transition as smooth as possible.
While the exact changes for the program have not been approved, there is certainty of a few that will take effect.
Erie Tejada, deputy director of Niños Incorporations, said these changes will allow the program to become more flexible.
“They would also rely more on state standards than on federal standards when it comes to things [such as] staff-child ratio, health requirements and family engagement”, Tejada said. “Probably more flexibility in not as much documentation as required before.”
Changes are pending approval based on the level of improvement and benefit to the program.
When these changes will take effect is still unknown, but Head Start and Niños Incorporations are deciding on the most beneficial improvements.
“The main benefit is that there are more access and other benefits. Yes, there are some changes but like I said we are just going to be cautious before it comes into effect,” she expressed.
Niños Incorporations is working to make sure these changes benefit the family and the program.
“Head Start is still here”, she said. “It hasn’t gone anywhere and so the doors are still open.”
Niños incorporations said it encourages parents to keep up with Head Start updates.
You can reach Niños Incorporations at (956) 361-1451.
