The Biden administration is hiking pay for educators in the early childhood program Head Start as part of an effort to retain current employees and attract new ones in the midst of a workforce shortage.

In rural Alaska, the federally funded Head Start preschool program has helped parents earn college degrees.

Teachers at Head Start child care centers are paid far less than public school teachers, even though they have similar credentials.

A Biden administration plan could increase salaries for hundreds of low-paid early childhood teachers caring for the country’s poorest children.

Head Start programs serving more than 10,000 disadvantaged children would immediately lose federal funding if the government shutdown isn't averted.

Young students across the county can sign up for free hearing, vision screenings this summer.

Lilliana Kerr was killed on Jan. 20, 2017, after a lunch table fell on top of her while she was attending the Head Start program at St. Albert’s Church in Dearborn Heights. She was 3 years old.

Debbie Dingell speaks at the Ford School of Public Policy on April 12, 2017 (Credit: Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy / University of Michigan)ANN ARBOR - U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., announced Wednesday that nearly $4.5 million in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grants will go toward Head Start projects in the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. The money will provide services in Ann Arbor Public Schools, Whitemore Lake Public Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools, including an early Head Start home-based program for families with infants and toddlers, and training. "Head Start helps prepare children to succeed in school and in life," Dingell said in a statement. Head Start has a stellar track record of providing equal access to quality education that prepares young people for success." WISD Superintendent Scott Menzel said the most important aspect of the grant is that it will provide young children with opportunities they otherwise might not have.

Job TitleFacilities AdministratorCompany NameUnited Children and Family Head StartLocation9641 Harper Ave., Detroit, MI 48213Job TypeFull Time, SalariedJob SummaryThe Facilities Administrator is expected to manage the activities of facilities staff, design professionals, and construction contractors to ensure that facilities are completed within time, cost, and quality constraints. The Administrator must work with Facilities Maintenance Staff to assure all company expectations are being met and provide directions for all maintenance activities. In addition, the Administrator will interface with other administrators/supervisors to remove roadblocks and provide service to meet program schedules. Responsibilities and DutiesEnsure compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and other RegulationsFormulate current and long-range programs, plans, and policies for the Facilities DepartmentEnsure that facilities/equipment is appropriately maintainedEstablish and implement systems to ensure that timely and accurate information regarding facilities is provided to parents, policy groups, staff, governing body and the general communityEstablish and maintain efficient and effective reporting systems that generate periodic reports of facilities operations and generate official reports for Federal, State, and local authorities as required by applicable lawEstablish and implement procedures for the ongoing monitoring of Facilities operations to ensure that these operations effectively implement Federal regulationsManage fiscal aspects of the Facilities Department, including purchasing, budgeting and budget reviewLead the Facilities department's operational and strategic planning, including fostering innovation, planning projects and organizing and negotiating the allocation of resourcesEnsure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and agency rules, standards and guidelinesOversee the facilities budget and conduct monthly review on expenditures to assure expenses are controlled and budget goals are metWork with Center Supervisors, and Program Specialists, or other staff to identify and resolve issues and problems to assure facilities and equipment are maintained and available for program service schedulesCollaborate with Health, Nutrition, Education and Education and Child Development Specialists to ensure developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor environments that are safe, clean, attractive, and conducive to learningManage facilities staff including supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation and disciplinary actionsCoordinates activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and directing the work of facility staff

DETROIT Job TitleClass Room SubstituteCompany NameUnited Children and Family Head StartLocation9641 Harper Avenue, Detroit, MI 48213Job TypeHourly, Full TimeJob SummaryThe Class Room Substitute assists the teacher with class room operation including planning, carrying out activities, and maintaining a nurturing and developmentally appropriate class room. Together with the teacher, makes home visits and conducts parent-teacher conferences. Repsonsibilities and DutiesUNDER THE GENERAL SUPERVISION OF THE TEACHER:Ensure compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and other regulationsImplement program plans, policies and procedures for providing education and early childhood development servicesMaintain a positive, calm attitude and a pleasant soothing voice, and model this attitude for parents and others working or volunteering in the programAssist in arranging classroom environment to accommodate a variety of children's needs and strengths, and to stimulate learning across all domains of developmentProvide an environment of acceptance that supports and respects gender, culture, language, ethnicity and family compositionParticipate in the development and implementation of lesson plans that are consistent with Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and school readiness goalsSupports each child's individual pattern of development and learningProvides for the development of cognitive skillsIntegrates all educational aspects of the health, nutrition, and mental health services into program activitiesHelps children develop emotional security in social relationshipsEncourages self-awarenessHelps each child develop feelings of competence, self-esteem, and positive attitudes toward learningBe inclusive of children with disabilities, implementing the child's individual education plan (IEP)Regularly and continually observe and record children's behavior and progress in order to help in the design of activities that support individual developmental levelsShare observation and ongoing assessment information for incorporation into lesson planningAssist in providing a balanced daily program of child-initiated and adult-directed activities including individual and small group activities, both indoors and outdoorsAssists in maintaining child files utilizing computerized child tracking systemMaintain confidentiality of informationAssist with recruitment and enrollment of childrenWhere appropriate, represent the organization to the external market, as well as internally through the application of the community relations and marketing activitiesQualifications and SkillsAbility to set learning goals and plan learning experiencesAbility to demonstrate effective teaching practices which include observation, analysis, planning and documentationDemonstrate communication, professionalism , and leadershipTechnical SkillsTeamworkHow to applySubmit letter of interest, resume and three (3) references to:United Children and Family Head Start, 9641 Harper AvenueDetroit, Michigan 48213Attention: Human Resources Administrator