First Start Partnerships for Children and Families

10/19/2026

Come check us out at one of upcoming open houses!!!

Greencastle Open House
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FJTjn6rpC/

Chambersburg Open House
https://www.facebook.com/share/19PcSf1hd1/

10/12/2026

🌟 Champions for Children Spotlight 🌟

Today we’re recognizing Mindi, Family Outreach Specialist, for her dedication to connecting children and families with early learning opportunities.

Mindi consistently goes above and beyond by participating in community outreach, recruitment, and marketing events, often outside of regular work hours. In addition to her daily responsibilities, she helps increase First Start’s visibility and connect more families with our programs.

Mindi truly reflects what it means to be a Champion for Children. 💛

Thank you, Mindi, for your dedication and commitment to helping First Start reach more children and families!

09/29/2026

Head Start parents and caregivers, there are only 24 hours left to add your name to NHSA’s national Parent Sign-On Letter.

Families across the country have signed the letter to tell lawmakers what they want protected in the proposed changes to the program standards. If Head Start has helped your child grow, learn, or get the care they needed, your signature belongs on this letter.

Add your name by tomorrow, September 30, 2026, to make your voice heard: https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/how-to-speak-up-for-head-start/

09/25/2026

A classroom visit is always better when you get to join the fun! 💙

Our CEO, Rodney, spent time with our children exploring the sensory bin and seeing what they were working on. Moments like these give him a chance to connect with the children at the heart of our work.

👉firststartpartnerships.org

09/24/2026

Come join our substitute team! 💚💙

First Start Partnerships is looking for dependable substitutes who enjoy working with young children and can help us keep classrooms supported throughout the week.

All availability is welcome! Our greatest current needs are for substitutes who:

⭐ Can accept shifts on short notice or the same day
⭐ Are available on Mondays and Fridays
⭐ Can work later shifts between 11:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Substitute positions offer flexibility while giving you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for children and families. You’ll help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom by supporting children throughout their day, from activities and meals to transitions and play.

Interested in joining us? Learn more and apply today:
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/First-Start-Partnerships-For-Children-and-Families/jobs?clearPrefilter=1 -skip-header-desktop

09/22/2026

NHSA’s Parent Sign-On Letter regarding the proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards is open through September 30. Information is available in the post below.

Head Start parents and caregivers, this one is for you.

You know what Head Start did for your child and family. Maybe it was the teacher who caught something no one else had time to notice. Maybe it was a screening that found a problem early, while there was still time to help. Maybe it was just knowing your child walked into kindergarten ready.

There is a proposed federal rule that would take a lot of that away. It would drop the required health, vision, and hearing screenings. It would loosen the staffing that keeps classrooms safe. It would pull back the early support for kids who learn a little differently.

Parents and caregivers get a say in this. Not just the people in Washington. You.

If you are a Head Start parent or caregiver, please sign the Parent Sign-On Letter and stand with families nationwide: https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/how-to-speak-up-for-head-start/

09/21/2026

A big first for our Greencastle classrooms! 🌳👟

After a week of talking, learning, and practicing how to walk safely together, the children took their first walk to the park for gross motor play!

Experiences like this help children build strength, coordination, and balance while also practicing important skills such as following directions, staying with the group, being aware of their surroundings, and safely exploring their community. Every step is part of learning! 💚

👉 firststartpartnerships.org

09/16/2026

For current and former Head Start parents and caregivers:
NHSA has shared information about a national Parent Sign-On Letter related to the proposed Head Start rule changes. The deadline is September 30. Details are available in the post below.

Head Start parents and caregivers know firsthand what makes this program work for children and families.

Right now, the federal government is considering changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). An NPRM is part of the federal rulemaking process and gives the public an opportunity to weigh in before proposed changes become final.

These changes could affect health and other essential services, staff-to-child ratios, disability supports, eligibility, how children build English proficiency and opportunities for parents to lead.

Your experience matters in this conversation. Sign NHSA’s national Parent Sign-On Letter by September 30, 2026, and help make sure parent voices are heard: https://nhsa.org/how-to-speak-up-for-head-start/

09/11/2026

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes changes across 19 sections of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, many of them substantial. NHSA created an in-depth overview to help programs understand exactly what is being removed, replaced, or added.

In the document, we examine each section of the proposed rule, compare it to relevant Head Start Act citations, share Administration for Children and Families (ACF) cost estimates, and cover topics including eligibility and staffing, disability services, dual language learner requirements, health standards, and administrative cost caps.

Review it alongside the NPRM as you prepare public comments, which are due by October 6, 2026.

Read the detailed overview: https://nhsa.app.box.com/file/2438192939765?s=sxu7x98qgci60wawioiz1k3ydte07ic9

09/04/2026

What a great first day! 💛

Yesterday, children across our First Start hubs kicked off a brand new school year filled with smiles, new experiences, and lots of excitement.

We loved seeing children meet new friends, settle into their routines, and begin another year of learning, growing, and making memories together.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead! 🍎✏️