Community Science conducted a community assessment that examined how Head Start-eligible children are cared for while their parents work and/or go to school; the parents’ view of their children’s educational and social service needs; and the feasibility of service delivery strategies under consideration to assist Montgomery County [Maryland] Department of Health and Human Services in their commitment to deliver high-quality services. The Community Science team also investigated how to improve outreach to African American, Latino, and immigrant groups, as well as how to improve Head Start’s cross-cultural competency. Several methods were used for this assessment, including: demographic information analysis, focus groups with caregivers, survey of parents and other caregivers, interviews, and a series of discussions with a group of child care providers. (2003)
