376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, P.O. Box 316, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

631-537-8250

Carol Burnett, Head Start’s Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator

Head Start has provided comprehensive early childhood education to low-income children and their families for more than 50 years. Since 2010, the Children’s Museum of the East End has been one of only two museums in the nation to host a Head Start center. With transportation issues still keeping many area families from visiting the Museum, we recently piloted a program—Play Practice—with the help of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The outreach program brings Museum programming (as well as professional development) to other Head Start centers in the East End. We spoke with Carol Burnett, Head Start’s Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator, about her longtime role with the organization, the incredible need for its services, and the reception of this new program.

Could you tell us a little about your background and your role with Head Start?

I’ve been with Head Start for about 20 years. I started out as a Family Advocate and eventually became a Center Manager in Southampton. Now I’m the Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator for Eastern Long Island. That’s one of the things I love about Head Start—and there’s a lot of things I love—there’s always room for growth and opportunity. Even Head Start’s CEO started out as a parent with a child in the program!

Why is Head Start so important for families living on the East End?

We’re getting the families the resources that they need. We are making sure the children are ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten. Initially, people didn’t understand why we were opening a center in the Hamptons, but there’s an incredible need for services out here and the Museum brings so much to this program. You understand our needs, our struggles and are always willing to support us in any way you can. The Museum is a magical place.

Can you tell us a little about Play Practice, the professional development program that’s been funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services?

Last year, the Children’s Museum was applying for a grant and wanted to incorporate Head Start, playful learning, and professional development into the application…that’s how this program came about.

I love seeing the excitement of the children when Liz Bard, the Museum’s Education Coordinator, comes to visit Head Start classrooms in the East End. She brings new props and new toys….things we don’t have the money or means to purchase.  We can only purchase materials two times and year and it’s great she can bring the magic of the Museum to us.

She’s also sharing what she knows to help our staff grow. She has so much knowledge. The teachers have been incredibly excited to have the opportunity.  Our teachers are learning to be more creative and learning how to bring more fun and play into the classroom. I hope we can continue next year.

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