Measuring success Vacca says that Even Start staff measure success in a number of ways. The program also has overall goals, which are measured by collecting data about all participants. These include increases in the number of hours parents spend reading to their children each day, the number of parents exiting the program who have obtained their GED or diploma, the number of parents who were on welfare when they entered the program and are no longer on welfare when they exit, and the number who are employed. But people like Lisa tell the real story. The success of the Even Start project supports the notion that early intervention is a key factor in ensuring families social, economic, and emotional success.
Officials are now in the process of applying for a new grant.
Coordinator Patricia Vacca said that the program will continue to serve families with children ages birth to 7, but will focus more particularly on teen parents and families with children ages birth to 3.