Head Start Programs in Poverty Stricken Areas
Baltimore, Maryland
Poverty Below 20% 20% - 40% Above 40%
Although Head Start focuses on low income areas, several areas in Baltimore are still underserved. This focus of this study is the proximity of accredited Head Start programs to poor and very poor areas in Baltimore City. Using data from the 2000 census, the PMSA was divided into three categories; non-poor (tracts where less than 20% of the population fell below the federal poverty line), poor (tracts where 20% to 40% of the population fell below the line), and very poor (tracts where more than 40% of the population fell below the federal poverty line). This map shows the percentage of each tract the total population that lives in poverty.
Female Headed Households
The Baltimore, Maryland PMSA includes Baltimore City and six counties; Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, and Queen Anne’s County. Within these counties, especially, in the center of Baltimore City, there is much poverty. Although poverty can be attributed to a number of different factors, lack of education certainly plays an enormous role. It can be observed in an analysis of Baltimore City, and the areas immediately surrounding, that quality education and the foundations on which it can be built are somewhat lacking. In early childhood, while the brain is in its formative stages, it has been shown that immersing a child in a stimulating and educational environment creates the foundation of learning necessary to encourage the pursuit of education and achievement later in life. The Head Start program was designed to prepare children from low - income families for success in school. Created in 1965, the program provides education, nutrition, and parent involvement services to underprivileged children and families. It is the longest running school readiness program in the country, and has served nearly 25 million pre-school children.
Below 15%
Non-Hispanic White
African American
Racial Breakdown of Baltimore PMSA
Latn� Asian/Pacific � Islander Other
Non-Hispanic White
African American
Racial Breakdown of Baltimore City
Latn� Asian/Pacific � Islander
Other
Percent of Population 25 And Older With Less Than High School Education Under 15% 15% - 30%
Above 30%
The above map illustrates the percentage of the population over the age of 25 with less than a high school education. By putting into action more and better accessible Head Start programs, Baltimore will hopefully see this number fall drastically in years to come.
15% - 30%
The map below illustrates the percentage of transit dependent workers. In areas where educational opportunities are already limited, a serious constraint on access to early childhood programs is lack of transportation. Children of persons residing in areas where transportation is an issue have less opportunity to attend Head Start programs than those children whose parents or guardians have personal transportation. The blue diamonds represent current accredited Head Start centers, while the red circles suggest possible locations for new Head Start centers that will serve poor or very poor census tracts. The new centers will be within 2 miles of the center of each tract in Baltimore city, so that they are accessible by any means of transportation, including walking.
Above 30%
One major barrier to access of early childhood education is being raised in a home with only one working parent. The map above shows the percentage of female headed households with children, and the map below shows the percentage of children under age 5 that live in poverty. The red diamonds represent locations of accredited Head Start Centers, such as Community Based Child Care Centers or Elementary schools in Baltimore City. ( !
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Proposed Centers
Below 25%
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Current Schools
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Children Under 5 in Poverty
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Percent Transit Dependent Workers
25% - 50% 50% - 75% Above 75%
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2.5
5 Miles
10
Below 25%
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25% to 50% Above 50% Designed by: Stephen Brown URSP622-901