FATHERHOOD INITIATIVES

Male and Father-Involvement Initiative Project Description

Introduction

The National Head Start Association (NHSA), directed by our vision, mission, values, and goals, responds to the needs of the Head Start community. The NHSA MALE and FATHER-INVOLVEMENT INITIATIVE (MaFI) priorities reflect those principles and values.

Vision

• Head Start fathers and mothers will work together in the interest of their children, even when they are not living in the same household.
• Head Start males and fathers will connect with their children in safe, loving, nurturing, positive, and meaningful ways that will enrich and improve the lives of their children and families.
• Head Start families’ socioeconomic status will improve as Head Start males and fathers grow in self-sufficiency and accountability, and as they return to their families and increase active participation with them.
• Head Start staff will provide the same support to Head Start males and fathers as has been provided Head Start mothers, thereby increasing the father’s opportunity for empowerment and success.

Mission

MaFI’s mission is to define and implement strategies for increasing and improving Head Start programs support of, and interaction with, Head Start males and fathers.

We will do this through advocacy, training, and recognition that responds to the needs of NHSA’s general membership, including Head Start families, staff, and friends.

MaFI’s work with other agencies will encourage Head Start males and fathers to become more caring, responsible, respectable, and considerate partners in promoting the healthy development of the children, families and communities.

Goals

1. Influence policies so they are more supportive of Head Start children’s and families’ needs.
2. Educate Head Start staff and parents, particularly fathers, on the personal and economic responsibilities necessary for Head Start children and families to succeed.
3. Provide recognition for Head Start male and father-involvement efforts and successes.
4. Disseminate information about Head Start males and fathers and their initiatives via NHSA publications, Web site, Heads Up! Satellite Network, and state, regional, and national training conferences.
5. To effect change in the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of fathers and those who work or partner with Head Start fathers.

Strategies

1. Visit Head Start programs that have male and father-involvement initiatives to observe activities and projects and assess programs’ level of "father-friendliness."
2. Conduct periodic surveys and focus groups to determine members’ male and father involvement needs.
3. Advocate for Head Start males, fathers, and families.
4. Collaborate with other organizations to further our goals to increase Head Start males’ and fathers’ involvement with their children and families.

Audience

Head Start males/fathers, mothers, staff, and friends.

Core Values

The NHSA MaFI core values echo those of the Head Start Bureau.

1. All fathers can be contributors to the well-being of their children.
2. Parents are partners in raising their children, even when they don’t live in the same households.
3. Fathers play diverse roles that are related to cultural and community norms.
4. Men should receive the education and support necessary to prepare them for the responsibility of fatherhood.