Our Impact
Our Impact
Skagit/Island Head Start (SIHS) provides services to 209 children from ages 2 to 5 years in Skagit and Island counties of Washington state. In addition to education services, we provide children and their families with health, nutrition, and social services support and referrals. The program’s main goals are to work in partnership with families to promote self-esteem, self-confidence, and school readiness for children.
Our communities, our opportunities
SIHS began services in 1968, (three years after the national launch of Head Start), as a school readiness program providing services to the entire family. We were aware at the very beginning of the important role of parents as a child’s first teachers. Today, we continue to ensure children are ready for school, and that families understand the critical role they play as their children grow.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Building strong foundations for lifelong learning through family-centered, child-focused partnerships.
Vision
We support children, families and each other to build resilience, strength and a sense of belonging to grow into their true potential and flourish. We join with families to make a positive difference in all of our lives and in the communities where we live, work, and learn.
Values
In our work together, Skagit/Island Head Start embraces a shared commitment to these values in an integrated and measurable way:
STRONG, POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Creating a culture of belonging. Connecting staff children, families, and communities where all voices matter; honored through open, honest communication, and taking time to understand and build mutual regard.
OPEN, ENGAGING COLLABORATION: Cooperation, open-minded give and take, flexibility, shared decision making, engaging diverse talents and resources with a focus on common goals and passions.
PERSONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL INTEGRITY: Consistency, honesty, sharing thoughts, personal responsibility, confidentiality and professionalism.
RESPECT AND ACCEPTANCE FOR ALL: Recognizing, valuing, encouraging and supporting community with compassion for individual differences and perspectives, while demonstrating cultural competence.
HIGH STANDARDS OF QUALITY: Best practice at the core of decisions, professional development and personal growth, accountability and high expectations.
Program Philosophy
We believe:
- Early childhood education focuses on the desire for children to become independent, self-confident, and curious learners who can work well with others.
- Children of all abilities are competent learners.
- Children develop best in an environment where the importance of play is valued.
- Play provides children with the opportunity to actively explore, manipulate, and interact with their environment.
- Adults in the classroom act as facilitators, guides, resources, nurturers, observers, planners, and protectors who provide a balance of child centered discovery and teacher-directed learning opportunities.
- Parents are the first and primary educators of their children and their strengths will be honored.
- Working in collaboration with staff, families, Skagit Valley College and local community partners strengthens our work.