HEAD START Meaning and
Definition
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Head start is a noun that refers to a significant advantage or favorable position that one has in a competition, endeavor, or situation. It can be described as an early advantage or a leap ahead that someone or something gets over others.
In terms of sports or games, head start means giving an advantage to one team or player by granting them a point, distance, or time advantage before the competition begins. This ensures fairness by compensating for differences in skill or ability between the participants.
In the context of education, head start generally refers to a program providing preschool education and comprehensive services to young children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programs aim to give children a boost or an early advantage by providing quality early childhood education, health screenings, and social services. The objective is to promote the children's development in order to prepare them for success in school and beyond, particularly by addressing the effects of poverty or other disadvantages they may face.
In a broader sense, head start can also be used metaphorically to describe any advantage or headway gained in various aspects of life, such as career, relationships, or personal development. It implies being ahead of others, either through innate qualities, hard work, or strategic decisions. This term underscores the importance of taking initiative, making early progress, or having an advantageous position in order to achieve success or achieve a particular goal.
Common Misspellings for HEAD START
- gead start
- bead start
- nead start
- jead start
- uead start
- yead start
- hwad start
- hsad start
- hdad start
- hrad start
- h4ad start
- h3ad start
- hezd start
- hesd start
- hewd start
- heqd start
- heas start
- heax start
- heac start
Etymology of HEAD START
The term "head start" originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. It was first introduced as a special program, known as Project Head Start, that aimed to provide comprehensive early childhood education to children from low-income families.
The phrase "head start" itself comes from the notion of giving someone a competitive advantage or a jumpstart towards success. It conveys the idea of starting ahead of others, particularly in terms of education or opportunity. The word "head" refers to being in a leading position, while "start" indicates the beginning or initiation of something.
The Project Head Start program was launched as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" initiatives in 1965. It was implemented to help break the cycle of poverty by focusing on early childhood development and ensuring that disadvantaged children receive educational and social support before entering formal schooling.
Idioms with the word HEAD START
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a head start
The idiom "a head start" means an advantage or opportunity to begin or progress before others, giving oneself a favorable position or a head start ahead of others.
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have a head start
The idiom "have a head start" means to have an advantage or a better position than others in a particular situation or competition. It refers to starting something before others, providing an opportunity to gain an initial lead or advantage.
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* a head start (on something)
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head start
A head start is an early advantage or lead in a competition or race, allowing someone to start before their competitors or opponents.
Similar spelling words for HEAD START
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