National Head Start Association

Administrator of the Year Award - Head Start Program Director

This award celebrates local program leaders providing direction to grantee or delegate, Head Start, Early Head Start, Tribal or Migrant Head Start Programs. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque.

Click here for application details.

Support Staff of the Year Award

This award celebrates the important contribution of staff who work in administration, facilities, food service, transportation, health, and social services. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque.

Teacher of the Year Award

This award celebrates ALL those who are involved in the education component of our program, including classroom teachers, associate teachers, home visitors, and instructional mentors. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque.

Head Start Parent of the Year

This award celebrates our most important partner, parents. Individuals nominated must have a child enrolled in the current year and have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. Award winner will receive $500, a 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque. The first runner-up will receive $200 and a commemorative plaque. The second runner-up will receive $100 and a commemorative plaque.

Beating the Odds Parent Award

This award celebrates the achievement of an individual who has overcome significant adversity in their role as parent and provider. Award winner will receive $500, 2012 conference pass, and a commemorative plaque. The first runner-up will receive $200 and a commemorative plaque. The second runner-up will receive $100 and a commemorative plaque.

Edward Zigler Innovation Award

This Award reflects the innovation and determination of the person many consider to be the Father of Head Start. Since Head Start's inception in 1965, Dr. Zigler has played a central role in the ongoing development of our program design. This award is to celebrate those local programs who have partnered to create high impact services to children and families.

Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award

This award celebrates an individual's or organization's significant achievement through community service to Head Start and Early Head Start. The nominee for this award should have excelled in addressing issues of poverty, early education or community health.

These three scholarships target individuals who reflect the values of hard work, educational determination and leadership. Each scholarship includes an award of $2500.

Head Start Alumni, High School Senior

Nominees may be a junior in High School, advancing to their senior year of High School. Scholarship winner will receive $2500 and a commemorative plaque.

Head Start Parent, Post Secondary Education

Nominees must be attending an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education. Scholarship winner will receive $2500 and a commemorative plaque.

Head Start Staff, Higher Education

Nominees must be attending an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education. Scholarship winner will receive $2500 and a commemorative plaque.