NHSA is pleased to present the Head Start community the opportunity to acknowledge and reward many wonderful individuals and programs who provide the very best to vulnerable children and families.
We are currently launching a new on-line tool to make this process much easier for you. Get ready! Start planning on who in your local program deserves the recognition. Please note a number of the categories have changed, and we have added for 2012 special awards in the areas of innovation and community service.
On-line nominations open April 29, 2011
Who Can Apply?
The National Head Start Associations Scholarship & Awards Program is open to individual, program and affiliate members of NHSA in good standing. Selection criteria and nomination processes are described on our Web site.
For 2011-2012 NHSA welcomes nominations in the following categories:
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, a 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque.
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, a 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, a 2012 conference pass and a commemorative plaque.
Head Start Parent of the Year
This award celebrates our most important partner, parents. Individuals nominated must be 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, 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.
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 Starts 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 individuals or organizations 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.
Helen Hollingshed Taylor Memorial Scholarships
These three scholarships target individuals who reflect the values of hard work, educational determination and leadership.
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.
NHSA Awards & Scholarships local member program deadline is May 31, 2011. Now is a great time to begin gathering the names of individuals and programs you plan on nominating.
