Availability,Participation,and Interest in Workplace Wellness Programs for Head Start Educators

Abstract

Background:

Head Start (HS) is the largest federally funded early childhood education program in the United States. It prepares children socially, emotionally, and academically and sets the foundation for school readiness and academic success. In 2024, the Head Start Program Performance Standards were updated to provide enhanced support and workforce stability, including improvements in health and wellness. This study assessed the availability, participation, satisfaction, and interest in Workplace Wellness Programs (WWPs) for HS educators.

Methods:

An electronic survey was sent to nearly 74,000 HS grantees and educators; 2,611 complete surveys were included in the analysis. Descriptive analyses examined the availability, participation, satisfaction, and interest in WWPs, and multivariate regression analyses identified factors associated with WWP participation.

Results:

Approximately 71% of HS educators reported access to at least one WWP. The most common programs available were health education and promotion (51%), stress management (25%), and healthy lunch and snack options (20%). Participation rates for available programs ranged from 6% to 93%, and interest in unavailable programs ranged from 40% to 93%. Job dissatisfaction was associated with lower odds of participating in any WWP or in health education and wellness programs. Receipt of community food assistance was associated with lower odds of participating in nutrition and stress management programs.

Conclusions:

There is considerable variability in availability, participation, and interest in WWPs among HS educators. Research is needed to understand if expression of interest would translate into take-up of WWPs, identify strategies to reduce barriers, and increase participation.

Study Importance Questions

What is Already Known about This Subject?

Early childhood education prepares children socially, emotionally, and academically and sets the foundation for school readiness and academic success. Head Start (HS) is the largest federally funded early childhood education program in the United States. Early childhood educators, including HS educators, frequently experience stress and burnout due to workplace demands and low pay. Limited funding and administrative support are common barriers to implementing Workplace Wellness Programs (WWP)s in early childhood settings. Additionally, when offered, workplace demands, timing, and program content are often cited as barriers to participation in these programs. When offered, programs focusing on mental health and physical wellness initiatives have been successful.

What Are the New Findings in Your Article?

Results of a survey of HS educators in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories indicate that educators have access to varying WWPs; the most frequently available program is general health and wellness education, followed by healthy lunch and snack options. When available to HS educators, participation in and satisfaction with various WWPs is high. Educators who do not have access to specific programs reported that they are most interested in access to healthy lunch and snack options, onsite fitness centers or gym membership discounts, and health education and promotion programs.

How Might Your Results Change the Direction of Research or Practice?

Findings from this study show that although HS educators report limited access to individual WWPs, participation and interest in various WWPs are high. Results highlight the need to understand whether the educators’ expression of interest would translate into take-up if new WWPs were offered at HS centers, considering respondent characteristics as well as barriers and facilitators associated with participation in WWPs.