Head Start recently launched a program to celebrate its 58th year of services to children and families across the nation. Along with the campaign, a scavenger hunt was introduced for programs to complete. One item was “Show your appreciation for a Head Star teacher or staff member.”

In 2020, Five County Child Development Program Inc. was awarded to serve 253 three- and four-year-old children in Lincoln County, in addition to eight expectant mothers, and 40 infants and toddlers under the age of 3 in Brookhaven and Bogue Chitto.

During the 2022-2023 school year, the agency entered into a collaborative partnership with Mamie Martin Elementary to provide joint services to 40 preschool-aged children. The Brookhaven School District provided classroom space and support of district personnel. The Head Start program provided credentialed/degreed staff, monitored health services, and coordinated family engagement events.

Army National Guard Sgt. Thomas Ashley penned a four-page letter to his child’s assigned Family Advocate and other staff at Bogue Chitto Head Start Center. After his heartfelt appreciation letter, the program learned he and another enrolled child’s parent, Staff Sgt. Carl Tate, were scheduled for deployment in the following week. To honor them, the New Zion Head Start staff and children planned a farewell party to thank and salute both men for their support of the program, as well as their service to the community and country.

For more information about Head Start, contact Early Head Start Liaison Robbin Dillon at 601-382-0567 or Expectant Families Specialist Lexis Brown at 601-517-0616, or visit www.fivecountyhs.org.