Head Start and at-risk students: Perceptions of administrators, practitioners, and parents

This qualitative study examined Head Start and at-risk students based on the perceptions of administrators, practitioners, and parents. A case study design was implemented to address the effects of Head Start in meeting the academic and social needs of at-risk students and their families. Three emerging themes resulted from the findings. Study results indicated that Head Start has a positive effect on at-risk students and their families. Interpretations of data through content analysis suggested the need for academic improvement to increase students' success on entering school. An implication was to base Head Start programs on a holistic model approach through collaboration of the education and human service systems. The study may generate additional research to identify structural and social factors that can influence the interdependence of the home, school and community in meeting the needs of at-risk students.