A $1.3 million federal grant for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs in seven southwest Oklahoma counties was “absolutely necessary,” the organization’s executive director said.
The programs, which come under the umbrella of the nonprofit Community Action Development Corporation, are designed for children birth to 4 years of age and for parents of those youngsters.
Brent Morey, executive director of the Community Action Development Corporation, said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant will cover the first six months of 2021 and an additional $1.3 million will be awarded for the second half of the year. The funds help the programs provide educational, social skills training and development, plus high-quality care for the children enrolled.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, Head Start Policy Council and staff, we are very pleased to continue to offer comprehensive services to our Head Start children and families,” said Morey. “We have made some exciting improvements in our program this year, including a new educational curriculum, expansion of Early Head Start to 48 infants and toddlers, and extensive playground renovations at all of our thirteen centers.
“We are also very pleased with our most recent collaboration with Southwestern Oklahoma State University by opening a three-year-old classroom on the Sayre campus, creating the opportunity for parents to pursue their education while their children enjoy the experience of Head Start. We continue to pursue excellence and quality in all of our endeavors at CADC Head Start and look forward to a bright future.”
Head Start and Early Head Start assists parents who don’t have insurance by providing medical, dental, vision and mental health services for children, Morey said. The program also provides training for adults who lack adequate parenting skills.
The southwest Oklahoma programs have 48 slots for children birth to 3 years old and 291 spots for children 3-4 years old in Head Start. The programs cover Beckham, Cotton, Jefferson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Tillman and Washita counties.
Morey emphasized that Early Head Start and Head Start are not daycare centers.
“There’s a misconception that we are, but we’re not,” he said. “This is a child development program, and we have lesson plans that teachers prepare like a regular classroom.”
Educational standards meet or exceed the Oklahoma Department of Education requirements while the curriculum and assessments are aligned with the Oklahoma Pre-Kindergarten Standards, Oklahoma
Early Learning guidelines and the Head Start Development and Early Learning framework.
Community Action Development Corporation has 13 centers in the seven counties. In some cases, Head Start programs collaborate with school districts to use their facilities in some of the counties, Morey said.
The 13 Head Start centers are located in Burns Flat-Dill City, Cordell, Erick, Frederick, Grandfield, Hammon, Hobart, Ringling, Sayre, Sentinel, Snyder-Mountain Park, Temple and Waurika.
Two members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation demonstrated their support of the grant money awarded to the Head Start programs. U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne), who represents western Oklahoma and parts of southwest Oklahoma, said Community Action improves the lives of countless Oklahomans and their families.
“Since 1965, Head Start programs have served over 36 million children from low-income families, including infants, toddlers, and pre-school-aged children, by helping promote school readiness, development, and wellbeing through an array of services,” said Lucas. “Early childhood education plays a key role in a child’s life and puts them on the path to success, both in school and in the future.
“I thank Community Action Development Corporation for their work, and I applaud them on their recent announcement, which will allow additional counties, and young Oklahomans, in our state the opportunity to utilize these important programs and services.”
Lucas was joined in his praise of the Community Action Development Corporation by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Norman).
“Community Action Development Corporation has long provided assistance to those in need across several counties and many communities in Oklahoma,” Cole said. “This includes fulfilling developmental, educational and nutritional needs of young children.
“I am delighted that this incredible agency is receiving an HHS grant to support its Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving children and families. These programs make a huge difference in the early development and wellbeing of children, helping provide a solid foundation for learning and thriving in school.”