Head Start Field Placement Guide
Even if the site does not include a licensed teacher, it may still be useful site to visit or explore internship opportunities. Because many faculty want to provide students experiences teaching diverse populations of children, the guide includes sites with significant populations of children of color, children with disabilities, and/or dual language learners. The guide also provides information about Early Head Start sites if student interest or course subject matter leans toward care and education practices among infants and toddlers. Teacher quality in these sites is high. Most Head Start teachers are evaluated annually using the CLASS instrument, and all use some consistent formative assessment such as Teaching Strategies GOLD®. All assistant teachers have at least a CDA and can provide a model for career pathways moving from assistant teacher to teacher to program level management. Many Head Start programs are also involved with implementing Early Childhood Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and provide a model for Pyramid Model practices.
Once you find a site that meets your and your students’ needs, please contact the Head Start program. Contact information is found by clicking on the Head Start program name which links you to contact information, including the program’s website and phone number. Please do contact them because the information in the guide may not be up-to-date if circumstances at specific sites changes.