The American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start …...The American Indian and Alaska Native Head...

The American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey:Study Progress and Selected Findings from the First National Study of Tribal Head Start Programs

September 2016

Lizabeth Malone • Jerry West • Michelle Sarche • Jacki Haight

Audio: 800-356-8278, code: 358335#

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Before we get started

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Webinar recording will be available

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Welcome from Office of Head Start

Angie GodfreyRegional Program Manager

Office of Head Start – Region XI

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Region XI Head Start: Location & Population Served

Region XI serves half of the AI/AN children in Head Start

Region XI also serves somenon-AI/AN children

Source: Head Start Program Information Report

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Presenters

Drs. Lizabeth Malone and Jerry WestMathematica Policy Research

Ms. Jacki HaightPort Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Head Start

Dr. Michelle SarcheUniversity of Colorado, Tribal Early Childhood Research Center

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Goals for Today

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Brief overview of FACES and planning for AI/AN FACES

Description of the AI/AN FACES study

Highlight of some initial AI/AN FACES findings

Reflection on AI/AN FACES by Region XI Head Start director

Preview of what’s next

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Dr. Michelle Sarche

Planning for AI/AN FACES

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The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES)

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Since 1997, FACES has been a regular source of nationally-representative data on Head Start programs, centers, classrooms, children, and familiesWith these data, FACES offers a picture of:

Head Start children’s school readinessHealth and physical developmentCognitive development Social emotional development

Head Start program performance Quality Child/family outcomes

FACES data are used to:Track changes over time in the Head Start population, services, quality, and outcomesIdentify ways to improve Head Start services

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Historically, Region XI Head Start programs have not been included in FACES

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ReasonsTribal concerns about researchUnique protocols for research involving sovereign tribal nationsResource-intensive nature of planning and implementing study according to best tribal practices

As a resultNational descriptions of Head Start do not include the experiences of Region XI programs, children, and familiesRegion XI lacks important national-level data on the children and families they serve – without which they are at disadvantage for knowing the needs of children and families or how best to meet those needs

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The American Indian and Alaska Native FACES Workgroup

Region XI Head Start Directors

Tribal Early Childhood

Researchers

ACF Federal Staff

Study Research

Organization

AI/AN FACES

Workgroup

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Dr. Jerry West

What Does a Study ofRegion XI Head Start Look Like?

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Purposes

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AI/AN FACES will inform policies and practices that address the needs of Region XI children and families

It will serve as a rich source of data about Region XI children and families:

Demographic characteristics and home environments of children and families served by Region XI Head Start Strengths and needs of the children and familiesSchool readiness skills of Region XI childrenCharacteristics of Region XI children’s Head Start experiences and home life that are associated with better child outcomes

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Study Features

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Source for national data on Region XI Head Start

Not a study of any one program or any one tribal community

Purpose is primarily descriptive, not meant as a study of the effectiveness of Region XI programs

Data are collected from: children, parents, teachers, program and center directors, classroom observations

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Includes Only AI/AN Children Served in Region XI Head Start


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Is Representative of All Children Served in Region XI Head Start


1616

Region XI Head Start Programs Randomly Selected

Original target 22 programs

37 centers

80 classrooms/lead teachers

800 children and parents

Selected from all 146 Region XI Head Start programs in 2014

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Children’s School Readiness Skills Were Assessed in Two Ways

1. Children participated in a 45-minute, one-on-one direct assessment of their skills in several areas••••

LanguageLiteracyMathExecutive functioning

2. Children’s Head Start teachers reported on their social skills, problem behaviors, and approaches to learning

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Information About Children’s Family and Head Start Experiences Comes from Several Sources

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Parent surveys– Information on family, home, community, and Head Start

experiences

Head Start staff surveys (teachers and directors)–––

Staff background and experienceClassroom or program characteristicsCultural and native language resources and opportunities

Classroom observations––

Quality of Head Start classroom and teacher-child interactionsChildren’s exposure to tribal culture and native language

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Conducting the First-Ever National Study of Region XI Head Start

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AI/AN FACES Participation

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We were able to successfully recruit 20 programs for the fall 2015 data collection, and one additional program for spring 2016

We had very high rates of participation once tribal approval was obtained and programs were onboard.

Parents were very receptive to their child participating in the study

Head Start directors and teachers were very supportive of the study and its goals.

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Participation Rates Were High

Instrument

Fall 2015 completion

rate

Spring 2016 completion

rateDirect child assessment 95% 96%

Head Start Teacher Child Report 97% 97%

Parent survey 81% 81%

Head Start classroom observation -- 100%

Head Start teacher survey -- 96%

Program director survey -- 100%

Center director survey -- 97%

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Dr. Lizabeth Malone

Selected Findings

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Selected Findings from Fall 2015

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AI/AN FACES aims to ––

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Describe all children in Region XI (Native and non-Native)Understand the cultural, tribal, and linguistic diversity of Region XI familiesInform policies and practices that address the needs of Region XI children and families

Today we present findings from child assessments, parent surveys, and teacher’s report of children on––––

Child and family characteristicsChildren’s language, literacy, and cultural experiencesFamily resources and needsChildren’s development

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Who is Region XI Serving?

Region XI Head Start serves young children from diverse families

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The majority of children are attending their first year of Head Start

Among newly entering: 64% are 3 years old 36% are 4 years old

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Parent Survey.Note: Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and

include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

Returning children

Newly entering children

Column1

[], []

[], []

26

74

Sheet1

Column1

Returning children26

Newly entering children74

3rd Qtr1.4

4th Qtr1.2

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Most (but not all) Region XI children are AI/AN

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Parent Survey.Note: AI/AN includes AI/AN alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity. Statistics are weighted to represent all

children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

3 years or younger

4 years or older

Age as of 9/1/15

AI/AN, []

Non-AI/AN, []

80.5307

19.4693

Sheet1

Age as of 9/1/15

3 years or younger80.5307

4 years or older19.4693

3rd Qtr1.4

4th Qtr1.2

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Most children live with a biological or adoptive parent

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Parent Survey.Note: Includes both biological and adoptive parents. Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region

XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

Both biological/adoptive parents

Biological/adoptive mother only

Biological/adoptive father only

Neither biological/adoptive parent

Percent of children

0.52

0.337

0.042

0.102

Sheet1

Percent of children

Both biological/adoptive parents52%

Biological/adoptive mother only34%

Biological/adoptive father only4%

Neither biological/adoptive parent10%

To resize chart data range, drag lower right corner of range.

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Almost one-quarter of children’s households are intergenerational



Chart1

Grandparent or great grandparent in household

No grandparent or great grandparent in household

Column1

[], []

[], []

23

77

Sheet1

Column1

Grandparent or great grandparent in household23

No grandparent or great grandparent in household77

3rd Qtr

4th Qtr

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What are Region XI Children’s Home and Community Experiences?

Culture and language are important to Region XI Head Start families, but practices vary.

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A tribal language is spoken in one-third of homes, but most children’s primary language is English


include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.* Tribal language and other languages can overlap. For example, a household in which a tribal language and

Spanish are spoken would be represented in both categories.

Chart1

English only

Tribal language*

Other languages*

English

Tribal language

Other language

Primary language spoken to child at home

Languages spoken in the home

Percentage of children

Languages spoken in the home by anyone

56.66

38.01

11.11

94.4

4.3

1.2

Sheet1

Languages spoken in the homePrimary language spoken to childSeries 3

English only56.662.42

Tribal language*38.014.42

Other languages*11.11

English94.4

Tribal language4.3

Other language1.2

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Parents believe that it is important that their child learn the tribal language



Not at all Somewhat Very important important important

Chart1

Not at all importantNot at all importantNot at all important

Overall

12.06

34.11

53.83

Sheet1

Overall

Not at all important12.06

Somewhat important34.11

No53.83

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Most children have engaged in at least one community cultural activity in the past month

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Parent Survey.Note: Report of activities in the past month. Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head

Start programs in fall 2015, and include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

Did atleast one activity

Listened to Elders tell stories

Tookpart in traditional ways such as hunting

Danced, sang, or drummed

Worked on traditional arts and crafts

Took part in traditional ceremonies

Played AI or AN games

Activities in the past month

Percent of children

79.7

45.06

47.8

40.18

29.27

30.68

22.45

Sheet1

Activities in the past monthSeries 2Series 3

Did atleast one activity79.7

Listened to Elders tell stories45.062.42

Tookpart in traditional ways such as hunting47.84.42

Danced, sang, or drummed40.181.83

Worked on traditional arts and crafts29.272.85

Took part in traditional ceremonies30.68

Played AI or AN games22.45

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What are Region XI Families’ Resources and Needs?

Families in Region XI express having access to financial resources, but many still have needs related

to their economic and psychological well-being.

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A majority of Region XI parents report they do not experience a financial strain

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Parent Survey.Note: Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and include

children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

Do not report significant financial strain

Report significant financial strain

Number of financial strains

[],[]

[],[]

73.14

26.86

Sheet1

Number of financial strains

Do not report significant financial strain73.14

Report significant financial strain26.86

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A majority of Region XI children live in homes that are food-secure

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Parent Survey.Note: “Food-secure household” indicates no or minimal indications of food-access problems or limitations; “low food

security” includes reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet, but little or no indication of reduced food intake; “very low food security” includes disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake. Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

Food-secure households

Households with low food security

Households with very low food security

Food security

72.73

18.66

8.61

Sheet1

Food security

Food-secure households72.73

Households with low food security18.66

Households with very low food security8.61

4th Qtr1.2

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A majority of parents do not report being depressed, but a sizeable number do

Not depressed, 58%

Mildly depressed, 24%

Moderately depressed, 10%

Severely depressed, 8%

Level of symptomsSource: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Parent Survey.Note: Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and

include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) short form is used for screening symptoms related to depression, a self-report measure of how often one has felt or experienced certain situations in the past week. Higher scores indicate greater symptoms with possible depressive symptom categories presented here.

Chart1

Degree of depressive symptoms

[CATEGORY NAME], [VALUE]%[CATEGORY NAME], [VALUE]%[CATEGORY NAME], [VALUE]%[CATEGORY NAME], [VALUE]%

Not depressedMildly depressedModerately depressedSeverely depressed57.824.39.97000000000000067.94

Sheet1

Degree of depressive symptoms

Not depressed57.8

Mildly depressed24.3

Moderately depressed9.97

Severely depressed7.94

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How are Region XI Children Doing at the Beginning of the Program Year?

Children’s development is also diverse, but on average, their skills in a number of areas fall behind those of their same-age

peers

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Region XI children’s English vocabulary skills are below same-age peers

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Direct Child Assessment.Note: All children are administered the PPVT-4 and EOWPVT-4. Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled

in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

Receptive vocabulary

Expressive vocabulary

Standard scores

Mean standard score

91.14

93.32

Sheet1

Standard scoresSeries 2Series 3

Receptive vocabulary91.142.42

Expressive vocabulary93.324.42

WJ III Letter-Word88.91.83

WJ III Spelling84.42.85

WJ III Applied Problems89.7

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Region XI children’s literacy and math skills lag behind same-age peers

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Direct Child Assessment.Note: Children following the English pathway are administered the Woodcock Johnson III (WJ III) measures. Statistics

are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and include children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

WJ III Letter-Word

WJ III Spelling

WJ III Applied Problems

Standard scores

Mean standard score

90.06

84.55

90.86

Sheet1


WJ III Letter-Word90.06

WJ III Spelling84.55

WJ III Applied Problems90.861.83

2.85

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Children demonstrate high social skills and few problem behaviors

(0-24) (0-36)

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Teacher Child Report.Note: Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and include

children who are new to the program and those who are returning for a second year.

Chart1

Social skills

Standard scores

Mean score

15.32

Sheet1


Social skills15.32

Problem behaviors4.79


2.85

Chart1

Problem behaviors

Standard scores

Mean score

4.79

Sheet1


Social skills15.32

Problem behaviors4.79


2.85

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Over one-half of children are normal weight, but many children are overweight or obese

Source: Fall 2015 AI/AN FACES Child Direct Assessment.Note: Statistics are weighted to represent all children enrolled in Region XI Head Start programs in fall 2015, and


Chart1

Underweight

Normal weight

Overweight

Obese

Body Mass Index

Child is underweight, 2%

Child is normal weight, []

Child is overweight, []

Child is obese, []

3.2

55.1

22.2

19.5

Sheet1

Body Mass Index

Underweight3.2

Normal weight55.1

Overweight22.2

Obese19.5

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What does the data tell us?

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How Can the Data be Used?

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AI/AN FACES provides federal, tribal, and program stakeholders with data to inform their program and policy decisions.

Region XI as a whole– Can argue for resources to address identified needs

Can argue for changes to policy and practice to better meet the needs

Individual programs in Region XI Can use study findings about Region XI Head Start to think about how their program might be similar to or different from all of Region XICan use data on Region XI as a whole and their individual tribal data to support the need for additional resources and services

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Potential Policy and Program Implications

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Considering the diverse backgrounds of Region XI children and families for service delivery, such as whether serving multiple years

Supporting cultural and linguistic heritage, such as the importance of using one’s tribal language

Building on home-community-program connections

Understanding the resources of families and quality of such resources (e.g., food)

Identifying areas of child development to enhance program initiatives, such as fostering cognitive skills and reducing childhood obesity

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Thoughts from a Region XI Head Start Partner

Ms. Jacki HaightPort Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Head Start

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What’s Ahead

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We will begin looking at the data that were collected in the spring.

We are discussing what is most important to report and the best way to report the findings to different audiences.

After initial reporting, the data will be available for other researchers (with the appropriate qualifications to analyze and report on)−a priority identified by the AI/AN FACES Workgroup and agreed to by all participating tribes.

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For More Information

Contact:•

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Maria Woolverton–

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[email protected]

Meryl [email protected]

Lizabeth [email protected]

Visit the AI/AN FACES page on ACF’s website

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/research/project/american-indian-and-alaska-native-head-start-family-and-child-experiences-survey-faces

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/research/project/american-indian-and-alaska-native-head-start-family-and-child-experiences-survey-faces

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Questions?

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Thank You and Closing Comments from Office of Head Start

Angie GodfreyRegional Program Manager

Office of Head Start – Region XI

The American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey:Before we get startedWelcome from Office of Head StartRegion XI Head Start: Location & Population ServedPresentersGoals for TodayPlanning for AI/AN FACES The Head Start Family and �Child Experiences Survey (FACES)Historically, Region XI Head Start programs have not been included in FACES The American Indian and Alaska Native �FACES WorkgroupWhat Does a Study ofRegion XI Head Start Look Like?PurposesStudy Features �Includes Only AI/AN Children Served in Region XI Head StartIs Representative of �All Children Served in Region XI Head StartRegion XI Head Start Programs Randomly SelectedChildren’s School Readiness Skills Were Assessed in Two WaysInformation About Children’s Family and Head Start Experiences Comes from Several SourcesConducting the First-Ever National Study of Region XI Head StartAI/AN FACES ParticipationParticipation Rates Were High Selected FindingsSelected Findings from Fall 2015Who is Region XI Serving?The majority of children are attending their first year of Head StartMost (but not all) Region XI children are AI/ANMost children live with a biological �or adoptive parentAlmost one-quarter of children’s households are intergenerationalWhat are Region XI Children’s Home and Community Experiences?A tribal language is spoken in one-third of homes, but most children’s primary language is EnglishParents believe that it is important that their child learn the tribal languageMost children have engaged in at least one community cultural activity in the past monthWhat are Region XI Families’ Resources and Needs?A majority of Region XI parents report they do not experience a financial strainA majority of Region XI children live in homes that are food-secureA majority of parents do not report being depressed, but a sizeable number do How are Region XI Children Doing at the Beginning of the Program Year?Region XI children’s English vocabulary skills are below same-age peersRegion XI children’s literacy and math skills lag behind same-age peersChildren demonstrate high social skills and few problem behaviorsOver one-half of children are normal weight, but many children are overweight or obeseWhat does the data tell us?How Can the Data be Used?Potential Policy and Program ImplicationsThoughts from a Region XI Head Start PartnerWhat’s AheadFor More InformationQuestions?Thank You and Closing Comments from Office of Head Start

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