For Head Start programs, it is absolutely necessary to respect and incorporate families’ cultures into the systems and services provided. 

Program management should actively promote the development of a positive cultural and individual identity for all children. 

In addition, as program staff are also members of cultural groups, programs must find ways to identify and include cultural information from program staff. 

At the same time, management must also consider the Head Start Program Performance Standards. 

The Voices from the Head Start Community section and Reflective Activity presented next provide initial suggestions for gathering and using cultural information from program staff and enrolled families.