The Winston County Journal

The Winston County Complex and Head Start celebrated Head Start Awareness Day on Friday, October 22 featuring musical, dancing and singing performances by the children and speakers, Louisville Mayor Louis Taunton and Sheriff Walter Coburn.

Head Start administrator Mattie Cooper gave a brief history of the Winston County Head Start program and welcomed the parents and other guests. Head Start is celebrating 39 years of services to young children and their families since its inception in 1965. The program first began as the Wesley Head Start gaining its name from Wesley United Methodist Church whose Pastor C.T. Allen helped kickoff the program.

"It makes me proud that we have caring people in the community that care about our youth and their future," said Mayor Taunton who addressed the crowd following and Cooper. Taunton also read a proclamation from the city congratulating Head Start on its service.

Sheriff Coburn expressed to the parents and the children the importance programs like Head Start. He also offered suggestions and ideas to parents on getting their children off to the right start and into college and beyond. Coburn explained to parents and children safety tips for Halloween.

Head Start was setup to help build a foundation for children's success

Head Start is a comprehensive program designed to foster the healthy development of young children from low-income families. Head Start provides children from low-income families with daily nutritious meals and many opportunities for social, emotional, and intellectual growth that can prepare them for success in school and in life. The program also connects children to a health care source and provides vital support services to their families.

The Primary Service Areas are:

€ Education and early childhood development

€ Child health and development

€ Family and community partnerships

Parents and family members work in partnership with Head Start staff to set goals for their child's and family's development. An individualized plan is designed to assist them in achieving their family goals.