Fort Defiance / Arizona / United States
The Navajo Nation Department of Head Start is one of the largest Head Start organizations in the United States. Head Start is a federal program established in 1965 to give the children of disadvantaged families opportunities in education. With one of its locations in Fort Defiance, Ariz., the department serves more than 4,000 children through over 200 centers. It also assists expectant mothers through health care, social and recreational programs. The department s Fatherhood Initiative program focuses on empowering and strengthening the role of fathers in families. Its STEPS Literacy curriculum helps to enhance language and literacy skills. Headquartered in Window Rock, Ariz., the Navajo Nation Department of Head Start works to empower children, expectant mothers and their families become effective learners, leaders and caretakers.
