Join the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) Division of Early Childhood and the Office of Leadership Development and School Improvement as we celebrate National Principals and National Head Start Awareness Month! Every year, the month of October is the perfect opportunity to recognize the importance of developing and maintaining partnerships, and sharing best practices and resources that focus on school readiness and successful transitions.

“Lend your voice this October to honor, celebrate, and advocate for principals everywhere.”

Don’t forget to #ThankAPrincipal

As children, parents, families, community members, and professionals, principals have welcomed us to school, and ensured we receive the resources and support needed for success. They have encouraged, motivated, and inspired us to believe. Principals are, and forever will be, our champions! That’s why it’s important to remember to thank a principal this month.

This year’s goal for National Principals Month, says the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is to “advocate on behalf of principals” because “these school leaders fight every day to give their students the best education and it’s time we advocate for them and with them.”

• Download and Share E-cards
• Enter the Video Contest
• Plan a Celebration

Invite a Principal to Visit Your Program

#HeadStartAwareness

According to the National Head Start Association, more than 35 million children have benefited from Head Start for over 54 years. In 2017, there were 1,608 Head Start and 1,398 Early Head Start programs across the U.S. 

National Head State Awareness Month is “an opportunity to share at the local, state, and national levels the power of Head Start”.  As part of the celebration, invite a principal to visit your program throughout October to highlight the importance of partnerships.  Make it a special event by including parents and families, and community organizations! 

Resources:

• The Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework 
• Provider Tip Sheet: Early Head Start for Family Child care Project
• Welcome to Group Care: Head Start and Families Working Together
• Family Engagement in Transitions: Transition to Kindergarten