Female Caregivers' Perceptions of Fathers' and Significant Adult Males' Involvement with Their Head Start Children

Abstract

This study of 59 randomly selected female caregivers explored the level of involvement of Head Start fathers and other significant males with their preschool-age children. The findings revealed that the majority of households had a significant male living in them. Almost all of the female caregivers reported a significant male's involvement, and almost one-half reported a second significant male's involvement, in their Head Start child's life. Significant males' involvement was concentrated in the areas of physical care and socialization, and the men were perceived to have little involvement in Head Start activities. Implications for Head Start programs are discussed.