Colleen Mehaffey
Head Start Teacher, Cedar Rapids, IA

Head Start teacher Colleen Mehaffey with a student“I look forward to coming to work everyday,” says Colleen Mehaffey. She’s been a Head Start teacher in Cedar Rapids for nearly 25 years and loves every minute of it.

Colleen begins every morning, all year round, at seven thirty as the first kids start to trickle into her classroom. By nine o’clock there are nearly 20 three and four year olds clamoring for breakfast and a start to their day.

Head Start teachers have a curriculum to follow just like any other teacher—but Colleen knows that young kids won’t sit still for long. By putting a creative spin on basic math, science, health, and literacy lessons, Colleen ensures the children are constantly engaged in learning. Children alternate between playing with blocks and math games to board games, art projects, brain teasers, and every kid’s favorite—the playground.

“I think Head Start is the best program out there to ensure kids are learning the skills they need to make it in life,” says Colleen. “That’s why it’s so important that we attract the best teachers possible. Unfortunately, many people who would be great teachers go elsewhere since they can’t support a family on a Head Start teacher’s paycheck.”

But it’s not just ensuring Head Start teachers have a paycheck that supports a family. Oftentimes, after spending all day teaching, Colleen and other teachers are forced to clean bathrooms, kitchens, and other facilities at their school because of limited resources. This is time that could be spent planning lessons or addressing the development needs of particular students.

“A big part of my job is observing and tracking student development,” she says. “The children I work with come from low income families so often they need extra time and attention. Our next president needs to have a plan to ensure that Head Start has the resources to help put our children on a path to success.”

A mother and a grandmother, Colleen also makes time for politics. She plans to caucus this January and has even run caucuses in the past.