For more than 45 years, PACE Education has grown alongside the families it serves, expanding from a single Head Start site into a network of 16 Head Start and Early Head Start locations across Los Angeles County. In September, PACE was recognized for this decades-long commitment to high-quality programming by the National Head Start Association (NHSA) through its Program of Excellence accreditation.
About the Program of Excellence
Founded in 1974, the NHSA is a national nonprofit that champions policy and institutional changes, ensuring children and families have what they need to succeed. The NHSA’s Program of Excellence award is an esteemed five-year accreditation granted to a select number of Head Start programs that demonstrate exceptional leadership, management, and service performance.
Out of 1,600 Head Start Programs in the U.S., only about 25 receive the Program of Excellence Accreditation. To receive this honor, an organization needs to complete a 44-part Quality Indicator framework from the NHSA that reflects national standards for performance, outlining evidence of exceeding performance standards and the delivery of an integrated, whole-family model.
Through an intensive three-month application process, PACE completed the 44 Quality Indicators and demonstrated sound financial stewardship, governance structures, highly qualified staff, program enrichment, advocacy work, and community outreach. Receiving the Program of Excellence accreditation is a meaningful milestone for PACE and reflects our commitment to excellence as a Head Start program operator.
About PACE Education
At PACE, we know quality learning opens doors that last a lifetime. That’s why PACE Education provides young children and expectant families in low-income and underserved communities with childcare and education during the most critical years of development. Children get ready for kindergarten through intentional programming, including interactive socio-emotional activities, language and reading skill development, and educational play in safe indoor and outdoor environments
Our Head Start services benefit not just little ones, but their families too. PACE uses a whole-family approach in its Head Start programming, with services in childhood education, parent leadership and advocacy, and family resources. As a delegate agency of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), PACE Education invites parents to join our Parent Policy Committee and serve as a decision-making body for LACOE Head Start Programs in LA. We also offer Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors), a 10-session leadership program that uses social connections and culturally relevant curriculum to help parents promote school readiness, family well-being, and advocacy.
From expecting parents to sending kids off to kindergarten, PACE Education can provide the support you need to navigate early childhood. Learn more below.