Professional Development - Head Start - U.S. Department of Health ...

OFFERING HEAD START STUDENTS EFFECTIVE
SUPPORT
Support systems are crtical to student success.
by Lisa Holstrom
Because of the online program, I am now closing in on
a bachelor’s degree, after graduating with my associate’s
degree online a few years ago. Previously, my duties at my
work place and at home had prevented me from pursuing a
degree at all. Through distance learning, I am able to balance
every aspect of my life without feeling guilty of being
away from home. The university’s support from my first
course in 2000 to graduation to making the decision to continue
in a bachelor’s program, has helped me to succeed in
ways I never thought possible.
—Angie, an online program student
To be as successful as Angie, students need a strong support
system from initial inquiry about degrees to the celebratory
graduation day. Many Head Start staff and parents pursuing
college degrees have risk factors that can raise the likelihood
of dropping out of school because of the challenges
they face juggling family, work, and college.
Looking For a Program
Good student support begins the moment a prospective
student inquires about a program. A comprehensive Web
site will include:
� Details about accreditations
� Tuition rates
� Federal financial aid
� How distance education works at that institution
(i.e., self-paced, on a semester schedule, the type of
student-student and student-instructor interaction,
and technology needed)
� Whether the program is focused on professionals
working in a childcare setting
� The application procedures and process
� Orientation information
� A toll-free number to call with questions.
Note that although programs requiring a campus orientation
visit may assist in building rapport with the university
Distance Education
Photo by D. Butcher.
personnel, the cost and time to travel may be prohibitive for
many working professionals.
A student should feel supported and not pressured while
making a decision about enrollment. Good program representatives
will be accessible via phone and e-mail and will convey
program information with compassion and understanding.
Online Student Orientation
Most online programs have a mandatory online orientation
before a student may begin courses. This offers the
opportunity to learn the technology in an ungraded environment.
A student should never feel isolated. As problems and
Angie Butcher, University
of Cincinnati.
questions arise, quality programs will offer someone to call
or e-mail who provides a quick response.
Academic and Registration Advice
One of the most important support systems for new and
returning students is academic advising support. Many students
bring transcripts from other institutions. An accurate
assessment of transfer credit is vital to successfully completing
the degree at the new institution. Students should have a
clear understanding of what previous credit has transferred
and what courses remain in their degree program. An academic
map is helpful to guide students through registration
Head Start Bulletin 47