North Dakota
Head Start Association
Strategic Plan Framework
2004 - 2007
Mission: To provide leadership thru facilitating partnerships which enhance educational and economic progress for children and families within our communities.

Vision: To be an empowering leader for positive changes in families.

Organizational Values:
  • We believe that each child has the basic human right to reach or develop their full potential.
  • We believe that healthy children develop in the context of healthy families.
  • We believe that professional integrity in early care and learning is driven by professional development and mentoring opportunities.
  • We believe in empowering parents in taking leadership roles in their communities.
  • We believe our association prospers by working with other agencies toward common goals that assist families with self-sufficiency.
  • We believe the association leads best when serving others.
Priority Goals:
  • Public Policy
  • Partnerships/Collaboration
  • Professional Development
  • Public Awareness
Introduction
The North Dakota Head Start Association goals are determined by the NDHSA board comprised of directors, staff and parent representatives. Development of the plan began November 17, 2004. The NDHSA board set objectives aimed at improving the association while simultaneously improving the lives of low-income children and families throughout North Dakota.
Outcome 1: The North Dakota early learning community experiences increase professional growth and development.

Priorities: Professional Development

Strategy 1.a. Accessibility of educational services with higher education. (Professional Development Committee)

Actions:
  • Develop position statement outlining educational needs of Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
  • Forward document to Dr. Phillip Parnell of the Office of Articulation, Transfer and Higher Education.
  • Develop partnerships with colleges, universities and funders to identify research opportunities.

Timeline: February 1, 2005

Strategy 1.b. Seek training opportunities with other state and local community agencies. (Professional Development Committee and Booze Allen Consultants)

Action:
  • Develop list of state and local agencies providing training topics, dates and places.

Timelines: April 21, 2005
Strategy 1.c. Design and implement a statewide training system for the Head Start community and its partners. (Professional Development Committee and Booze Allen Consultants)

Actions:
  • Compile program-training plans.
  • Analyze common training needs.
  • Schedule state trainings based on needs.

Timeline: April 21, 2005

Outcome 2: Increased quality and quantity of partnerships with North Dakota Head Start Association.

Priorities: Partnerships and Collaboration

Strategy 2.a. Strengthen and expand relationships with the North Dakota State Collaboration Office. (State and Regional Committee)

Action:
  • Provide leadership and support to the North Dakota Head Start Collaboration Office through the HSSCO Advisory Committee focusing on the nine priority areas:
    o Improve the availability and affordability of quality child care
    o Increase opportunities for children with disabilities
    o Expand partnerships with school systems
    o Strengthen family literacy services
    o Promote access to timely health care services
    o Support access for homeless children
    o Collaborate with existing community services activities
    o Encourage collaboration with welfare systems
    o Support career development in early care and education

Timeline: January 4-5, 2005
Strategy 2.b. Strengthen and expand relationships with local partners.
(Networking Committee)

Action:
  • To provide information, training and support in the efforts to strengthen and expand programs with local development.

Timeline: April 2005

Strategy 2.c. Increase North Dakota Head Start Association participation on state and local initiatives (committees, task forces, etc). (Subcommittee Chairs)

Action:
  • Provide representation on state committees that impact children and families. Key committees include:
    o North Dakota Head Start Collaboration Advisory Committee
    o Healthy ND Initiative
    o Healthy ND Early Childhood Alliance
    o North Dakota Professional Development State Plan
    o Natural Allies Leadership
    o Higher Education Early Childhood Education Consortium
    o Public Awareness Campaigns
    o Early Learning (Voluntary) Guidelines
    o Early Learning Investment Summit
    o Other committees focusing on the best interest of children and families

Timeline: Ongoing

Outcome 3: Policymakers and the general public understand, support and advocate for Head Start and other programs which positively impact North Dakota children and families.

Priority: Public Policy


Strategy 3.a. Monitor and advocate for positive Head Start Reauthorization (State and Regional Committee)

Actions:
  • Monitor federal legislation.
  • Assess state legislator's reaction to federal legislation.
  • Develop fact sheets.

Timeline: Ongoing
 
Strategy 3.b. Monitor and advocate for positive State Legislation for children and families. (All Association Members)


Actions:
  • Build relationships with elected and appointed officials.
  • Empower parents and staff to advocate on local, state and national issues.
  • Develop and share state fact sheets.
  • Provide training to NDHSA members to "How to Talk to Legislators"
  • Expand and implement state and federal advocacy systems by developing a calling tree/email structures.

Timeline: Jan-May 2005

Strategy 3.c. Send a clear and consistent message with position statements on legislative issues impacting children and families. (NDHSA Sub Committees)

Actions:
  • Determine positions and topics for position statements.
  • Assign director representatives legislative issues to develop position statements.
  • Seek endorsers of position statements.

Timeline: TBA
Outcome 4: Be a proactive source of accurate and positive information about Head Start/Early Head Start in North Dakota and the Nation.

Priority: Public Awareness

Strategy 4.a. Develop a marketing plan/campaign (Ways and Means and Marketing Committee)

Actions:
  • Obtain recommendations for consultants and research options.
  • Develop Marketing Committee.
  • Determine budget.
  • Establish target market.
  • Execute marketing campaign.
Timeline: TBA
 
 
 
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