Important Information for Concerned Citizens
The Minnesota Head Start Association, Inc. does not run Head Start Programs and has no oversight of local programs and policies. Head Start Programs have local authority to set policies and make decisions based on the needs of their local communities, the parents served by the programs and their organizations' governing boards. The following is a statement from the local program that serves St. Peter, MN as they worked with their community and parents to resolve an issue about holiday celebrations.
Thank you for your interest in this local issue and its resolution.
From: John Woodwick
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 9:16 AM
Subject: Response
In Minnesota Valley Action Council Head Start, our emphasis has always been on the children and families involved in the early childhood program.
- The goal has been to foster all holidays as a time of joy & celebration.
- We provide group activities that all of the children can participate in.
- They have been busy making ginger bread houses, snowflakes & snow men.
- Our emphasis has been on what brings us together.
There has not been a ban on Santa Claus, as the media has liked to make this. In fact, a Santa Claus was in the community center large motor room on Friday 12/17/10 and children & parents that wanted to go see him had the opportunity to do that. Santa Claus just wasn't going to be in the classroom.
The discussion around this issue has been a larger question. It is one about democracy, where the majority opinion rules. We understand that, and utilize that in our parent meetings. Our goal has always been to create an atmosphere where every child feels safe & comfortable in our Head Start classrooms. This isn't an issue about someone winning or losing, or of an opinion held by a few, dictating to the majority.
When it comes to the annual discussion about how parents of children in the Head Start program want to share the holidays, We believe we can develop strategies together where all children benefit.
John T Woodwick
Executive Director
Minnesota Valley Action Council, Inc
Mankato, MN 56001
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