Head start III, parents in action for a healthy generation: A nutrition education project for hispanic head start parents

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a culturally sensitive nutrition program for Hispanic Head Start parents (1)1.This project sponsored by the American Home Economics Association and funded by a grant from Kraft.. The program was comprised of three major phases: needs assessment and planning, development of Spanish language educational materials, and program implementation and evaluation. Demographic data from Head Start identified Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and Central Americans as the three Hispanic subgroups utilizing Head Start. The needs assessment indicated obesity, anemia, and stunting (among Central Americans) as the major nutritional concerns. The Advisory Committee suggested a story (“novella”) format for three educational videos, a calendar, and an educator's guide. During the project's second phase the education and evaluation materials were developed. The first nine minutes of the video addressed nutrition related topics in a story format, and included individuals from the three designated groups in life settings common to Head Start parents. The final three minutes of each video included one of three (Mexican American, Puerto Rican, or Central American) Latin Roots Festivals. This segment was filmed at three different Head Start Centers and included actual center children, parents, and staff. The calendar used culturally appropriate pictures that reinforced the video's messages. For the final phase, the educational package was evaluated for acceptance and use at three Head Start centers in Texas, Connecticut, and the Washington D.C. area. Both parents and staff evaluated the program and materials. Sixty two parents completed the evaluations, which focused on the technical quality of the materials, nutrition information, and usefulness.