Koblinsky has been involved with Head Start for 30 years. Her research on Head Start programs for homeless and low-income families in violent neighborhoods has resulted in new legislation, progressive Head Start curricula and greater hope for struggling families. Currently, Koblinsky is collaborating with Suzanne Randolph, associate professor of family studies, to examine the roles of parents and schools in promoting positive outcomes for preschool-aged children in violent neighborhoods. Koblinsky, Randolph and their students began by identifying neighborhoods in suburban Maryland and Washington, D.C., with high levels of violent activity. Once a neighborhood is chosen, the researchers form a partnership with the community's Head Start program.
Some children respond to violence with fear, anxiety and withdrawal or cling to their teachers.
Some are afraid to play outdoors because their parents restrict them to their homes. There's also an expectation in these neighborhoods for the children to be tough and stand up for themselves, so we see higher incidents of aggressive behavior. Koblinsky finds that the situation is understandably daunting for the parents, most of whom are single mothers. Many feel that they must supervise their children at all times, especially when they are playing outside. We want to know if the mother is working, if her mental health is sound, if she attends church regularly and gets support in raising her child from teachers, doctors, social services, family or friends.