DENVER - October, 2007 - The Colorado Head Start Association (CHSA) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to promote responsible fatherhood in Head Start programs across Colorado, impacting more than 13,000 children. The Colorado Head Start Association will assist individual Head Start programs in developing and enhancing strong fatherhood programs by providing technical support to agencies, sponsoring fatherhood trainings for parents and staff and hosting father-child activities across the state.

The goal of the grant is to strengthen and increase the parenting skills and involvement of fathers in lives of their children. Head Start recognizes and is committed to the importance of the role of fathers to the healthy development of their children. Studies have long shown the improved outcomes of children in educational achievement as well as physical and emotional health when raised with responsible, loving, and committed fathers.

"We are very excited about this opportunity to work with Early Head Start and Head Start programs across Colorado in support of their tremendous efforts with engaging fathers and male role models in their children's education", states Pamela Harris, Ph.D., President, Colorado Head Start Association.

The Colorado Head Start Association is a member based non-profit organization that pro-actively advocates for policies, systems and services that promote positive outcomes for Head Start children and families. For more information about the Head Start grant funded program, please visit www.coloradodads.com.