Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of the Developing a Partnership (DAP) program focusing on children's services and parent training and employment. Even though Head Start is a program for preschool children, services extend to the whole family. This study analyzes data from 2001, 2002, and 2003 and discusses the impact of DAP with regard to family services, children's services, and parent training and employment. Conceptual framework. Systems theory in conjunction with the literature provided the modeling allowing for construction of questions and delineation of variables. Through these questions a quantitative review provided measurement of success with regard to collaboration of resources and program outcome. Methodology. This was a descriptive study. Instrumentation for data collection was the DAP survey instrument adapted from the Los Angeles Head Start program. A survey questionnaire utilizing a Likert scale was utilized to collect data. There were three different sets of data for the years 2001, 2002, and 2003, which was compiled and analyzed to determine the impact of DAP program upon participants from the Head Start project. Findings. The research questions indicated that participants were successfully trained and employed by the DAP program and other agencies. Low-income participants would be jeopardized without funds supported by the Head Start project as well as from the federal level. The performance by the DAP staff as well as program participants proved continuously successful over time. Recommendations. The following recommendations were submitted. For future research on DAP program: (1) This study should be further researched in rural settings where a comparison of inner-city Head Start programs can be learned for future funding from Federal Aid; (2) This study should be further researched in any additional variables that might help the DAP/Head Start program receive more funds from federal aid; (3) This study should be further researched in new curriculum of training for new job demand; and (4) This study should be further researched focusing on the link between facility and success in training.