CSI Head Start Annual Report

Concerted Services, Inc.
Head Start
2013-2014 Annual Report
Ophelia K. Gaines, Executive Director
Dr. Shelli Tyre, Head Start Director
2100 Riverside Avenue
P.O. Box 1965
Waycross, Georgia 31502-1965
Phone: (912) 285-6083
Fax: (912) 285-6288
Web-site: www.concertedservices.org
Agency Mission, Vision and Core Values
OUR MISSION
Concerted Services, Inc.’s mission is to transform
families and communities by providing opportunities
and services that promote economic and social
independence.
OUR VISION
Concerted Services, Inc. is a premier Community Action
Agency committed to investing in lives and transforming
communities, one person at a time.
OUR VALUES
We are INSPIRED
Integrity
Neighborly
Service
Passion
Innovative
Respect
We do the right thing.
We make our communities better.
We are people driven.
We are committed to our purpose.
We welcome change.
We treat others as we wish to be
treated.
Excellence We deliver meaningful results.
Diversity We embrace the
unique contributions of all.
The Head Start Goal Statement
Concerted Services, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
Program will provide quality teaching and learning
environments to meet the developmental needs of all
children to ensure future educational success. To
accomplish this goal, all Head Start Learning Centers will
meet or exceed the requirements of the Federal Head
Start Program Standards and maintain Quality Rating
Standards.
The School Readiness mission of Concerted Services,
Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start is to partner with
families and communities to work together to plan,
coordinate, and improve services for all children. Head
Start/Early Head Start provides all eligible children
opportunities to participate in early childhood programs
that enable them to enter school with the skills,
behaviors, and family support necessary for them to
progress and succeed. CSI also enhances the social and
cognitive development of children through the provision
of educational, health, nutritional, social, and other
services.
Concerted Services, Inc. is proud to be
“Investing in Lives,
Transforming Communities”
Left: Parents participating in the “Steps to
Literacy” workshop. Right: Trinity Eason
assists State Senator Tyler Harper in marble
painting during Georgia Pre-K Week.
A Word from the Executive Director
A Message from the Head Start Director
50 Years of Head Start
CSI’s Head Start program has grown into a sprawling
and successful entity, serving over 1000
children and their families in 18 centers
spread across 12 counties. During the
2013-2014 program year, CSI Head Start
operated 71 classrooms: 21 Early Head
Start classrooms for children birth
through 36 months, 42 Head Start
classrooms for 3 & 4 year olds, plus 7
Pre-K classrooms for children who turned
4 prior to September 1st. Our highlyqualified teaching staff exceeds the
standard in that 100% of Early Head Start teachers have
a minimum of an Infant/Toddler CDA , 100% of Head
Start teachers have a minimum of an AA, and over 60%
of our teachers have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Although the health and safety of our children are our
first priority, CSI Head Start children and families are
also provided comprehensive services, which include
academic, social, physical, health, nutrition, mental
health, transition, and disability services. Parent
engagement is vital to our program, and we strive to
offer numerous opportunities for our parents to be
involved in their children’s education. Knowing the
importance of positive male role models, we also have
an active male involvement component. In addition, we
are proud of the many community partnerships we have
developed to help us provide the most comprehensive
services to our children and families.
Our School Readiness Plan guides our program in
ensuring that our children are ready for school, that our
parents are ready to support their children in school,
and that local schools are ready for our children. We
collaborate with 13 different local school systems to
share information, collaborate on skills needed for
success in Kindergarten, and provide services for
children with special needs.
We welcome our parents, extended families,
community leaders, and partners to visit one of our
Head Start centers, become a volunteer, and make a
difference in the life of a child.
2015 is the fiftieth anniversary of Head Start. I believe
America was at its best when Head Start
was created! In January of 1964, President
Lyndon B. Johnson declared "The War on
Poverty" in his State of the Union address.
In 1965, under the leadership of Sargent
Shriver and a group of sociologists,
psychologists and pediatricians,
discussions began with the intent of
designing a program which would assist
children to overcome setbacks or obstacles caused by
poverty.
In May of 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson
announced the Head Start Project in the White House
Rose Garden. It started in the summer of 1965 as an
eight week summer program for children from lowincome communities going into public school in the fall.
It served over 560,000 children across the United States
of America in the first summer, and the program
provided preschool classes, medical care, dental care
and mental health services.
Head Start has such a rich legacy! Concerted Services
is proud be a part of that legacy as we continue to serve
more than 1,000 children and their families. Through
Head Start we hope to educate, encourage, support
and equip families to fulfill their destinies for greatness.
Our desire is to instill in each family a desire to move
beyond low expectations and move forward into the
realm of achievement, potential and unlimited
possibilities.
It's only been fifty years, and look what we have
accomplished! The next 50 years should be just as
exciting as we move forward in our efforts to transform
families and communities by providing opportunities
and services that promote economic and social
independence
Map of Service Delivery Area
Sequestration Restoration & COLA
Sequestration cuts in the amount of 5.27% were
enacted in 2012 and carried forward into the 2013-2014
program year. Sequestration funds were restored
during this program year, and our program was able to
add back the days of service that were cut as a result of
sequestration. We were also able to design a plan to
add back child slots that were lost due to sequestration.
Based on data from our community assessment, the
decision was made to convert the lost slots to Early
Head Start in two counties which have not had EHS
services, Candler and Toombs. Since restoration funds
were not received until after the end of the 2013-2014
program year, the new classrooms were slated to open
at the beginning of the 2014-2015 program year.
In addition to restoring the sequestration cuts, the
program received funds to provide a 1.3% COLA
increase for all Head Start program staff, effective
November 1, 2013.
Head Start Enrollment
Concerted Services, Inc. (CSI) Head Start operates Head
Start, Early Head Start and Pre-K programs in twelve
counties in rural Southeast Georgia. During the 20132014 program year, comprehensive services were
provided to 168 Early Head Start infants, toddlers,
and/or expectant families. In addition, we served 839
Head Start pre-school (ages 3-4) children and families, of
which 140 children (4 year olds) received Georgia state
lottery funded Pre-K/Head Start blended services.
Funded Enrollment
Appling County Head Start
Atkinson County Head Start
Atkinson County Early Head Start
Bacon County Head Start
Bacon County Early Head Start
Brantley County Head Start
Brantley County Early Head Start
Candler County Head Start
Charlton County Head Start
Clinch County Head Start
Coffee County Head Start
Coffee County Early Head Start
Coffee County Head Start/Pre-K
Jeff Davis County Head Start
Pierce County Head Start
Pierce County Early Head Start
Toombs County Head Start
Ware Country Head Start
Ware County Head Start/Pre-K
Ware County Early Head Start
50
32
16
51
24
32
8
32
32
34
100
24
60
36
51
8
83
166
80
88
Program Operation
The program operates a full year, full day, centerbased option in which the childen attend the program
6.25 hours per day. The center calendars are based on
the local public school board calendars. The Early Head
Start Program also operates a modified center-based
program during the summer months. Due to budget
constraints and sequestration, a difficult decision was
made to reduce the number of child days. The program
was, however, able to expand the number of days for
the summer months for the Early Head Start program.
The receipt of sequestration funding allowed the
program to add back child days that were previously cut.
CSI operates 21 Early Head Start classrooms and 49
Head Start classrooms. Two of the Head Start classrooms are operated by contract with the Clinch County
Board of Education. There are 18 Head Start/Early Head
Start centers in 12 counties and one Head Start
administration office located in Waycross.
Above: Children enjoy a variety of
outdoor experiences. Right: Pre-K
Funded
Enrollment
children entertained
at the
Volunteer Luncheon.
Parent & Family Engagement
At CSI Head Start, we recognize that parents are their
child’s first and most important teachers. Parents play
an integral part in the program and serve on center
parent committees, Policy Council, Health Services
Advisory Committee, ERSEA, School Readiness
Committee, and budget committees. They also assist
the program with center activities, program curriculum
planning, self-assessment, and volunteer countless
hours at the centers. This year we introduced the
Parent Ambassador program and hope to expand this
effort in the upcoming year.
Over 120 parent meetings/trainings were held during
the program year. Training was geared toward the
Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework
and the 7 Family Outcomes areas. Topics included:
Becoming a Leader – elections were held for parent
officers and Policy Council members, Adult Learning
Opportunities, Healthy Lifestyles, Cooking
Demonstration and Nutrition, Internet Safety, Financial
Management, Making Everyday Moments Count –
Parenting Tips, Dental Health, Kindergarten Readiness,
Second Step Curriculum – a violence intervention
program, Children’s Performances, Holiday Crafts, Car
Seat Safety, and Literacy. Written information was sent
home to all parents on topics such as: tax credit
information, flu prevention, school readiness, cancer
awareness, child abuse prevention, and health.
Monthly newsletters and activity calendars were also
sent home to all parents.
Additional specialized training opportunities, such as
CPR classes, IEP (Individual Education Plan) workshops,
“Celebrate Success” Job Readiness and Fashion Show
workshop, and “Food Talk” nutrition classes were
offered to families. “Food Talk” classes are provided
through the EFNEP – Expanded Food and Nutrition
Education Program. Families were also invited to
participate in activities such as Campbell’s Labels for
Education, Grits for Grands, Spring into Fitness, Muffins
for Moms, Parent Orientation sessions, Open House,
Turkey Trot, Jingle Bell Jog, Children’s Art Exhibit, and
Morning Coffee Break socials. Parent and community
volunteers were recognized at the annual volunteer
recognition luncheon in the spring. The theme was
“Head Start Volunteers – Lighting the Way to the Places
We’ll Go!”
A number of special events for fathers and father
figures were held. These included: Breakfast with Dads,
Come Walk with Me Daddy, Nature Walk, Let’s Play
Together, and Head Start Racer Derby.
UCLA Training Opportunities
Concerted Services, Inc. Head Start was asked to
participate in a pilot program by the UCLA Health Care
Institute and Office of Head Start National Center on
Health about Home Safety and Injury Prevention. As
part of the program, 50 parents were trained on the
importance of preventing injuries in the home.
As part of the workshop, parents received valuable
information on home safety facts, injury prevention, and
were trained what to look for in their homes that could
be a safety issue and how to correct it. UCLA provided
parent incentives which included first aid kits, cabinet
locks, bath thermometers, and entry door lock systems.
Staff worked with families on pre and post assessment
surveys to track the effectiveness of the training and
parents “graduated” at the end of the program.
As an additional part of the training, CSI was also
included in “Sun Safety” parent training which was
provided by UCLA and Neutrogena. Parents received
sun protection products for attending the training as
well as valuable information about protecting the family
from skin cancer.
Parents enjoyed the safety and sun
prevention training.
Food Talk
A number of the centers were able to participate in
“Food Talk” this program year. The program is
presented by the UGA Cooperative Extension Service
and helps teach families
inexpensive and healthy
recipes as well as great
nutrition information.
The six-week program
was presented in Bacon,
Jeff Davis, Toombs and
Ware counties.
Jeff Davis parents proudly show off their
certificates from the Food Talk Program.
Budget
Financial Audit
Concerted Services, Inc. Head Start receives Federal
The FY 2012-2013 annual agency audit was conducted
funds to operate the Head Start and Early Head Start
programs from the Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Family Services
Office of Head Start. Additional funding is also received
from Georgia Pre-K and CACFP.
The annual budget is developed with input from
parents, community members, staff, Policy Council, and
Governing Board. Monthly budget meetings are held
throughout the year, and the budget is reviewed at all
Policy Council and Governing Board meetings. In
addition, Policy Council and Governing Board members
receive monthly budget reports during months in which
a regular meeting is not scheduled.
The FY14 budget continued to be impacted by the
5.27% sequestration cuts enacted during the previous
year. However, during the year, sequestration cuts
were restored, resulting in the receipt of $466,443. This
restoration allowed the program to add back child and
staff days that were cut due to restoration. In addition,
by Clausell & Associates. The agency audit report is
available at the Administrative Office in Waycross for
review.
Quality Rating
CSI houses three Early Head Start classrooms and one
Head Start classroom at the ABC Child Development
Center in Bacon County. As part of that collaboration,
CSI Staff participated when ABC went through the QRS
(Quality Rating System) process during the 2012-2013
program year. During their Annual QRS Review this past
year, ABC received notification that they earned another
3-star rating! CSI Head Start staff and classrooms at
that center were also a part of the process. Plans are
for all CSI Head Start/Early Head Start sites to begin the
QRS process.
child slots that were previously cut were added back.
The following is the breakdown of the funds:
Regular Budget HS/EHS
Salaries:
Fringe Benefits:
Travel:
Equipment:
Supplies:
Contractual:
Other: (fuel, utilities, etc.)
Training:
Indirect:
Total:
$4,263,477
2,302,278
16,837
0
378,648
293,034
773,735
127,047
937,965
$9,093,021
Other Funds
CACFP
Pre-K (Nov-Oct)
United Way – Literacy Action
*In-Kind Donations
TOTAL:
$880,391.28
280,084.06
2,535.72
2,350,743.33
$3,513,754.39
*A 20% local match is required to operate the program (space,
volunteer hours, donations of material, professional services, etc.)
Children made holiday cards for the local senior citizens centers and staff enjoyed delivering
them. Everyone said the children’s artwork put smiles on the resident’s faces.
Program Planning
Each year, the management team, program staff,
Policy Council and Governing Board review and update
the Head Start program’s short and long term goals to
ensure that the best quality services are being provided
to the children and families we serve. Goals for the
2014-2015 Program Year are as follows:
Long Term Goals:
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Short Term Goals
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Continue to seek new and additional sources of inkind.
Continue to hire the most qualified staff and
promote professional development.
Continue the process of completing an energy audit
for all facilities.
Continue to seek additional collaborations with CNA
programs to conduct heights/weights and blood
pressures at centers.
Clarify need for transportation waiver from Health &
Human Services for transition field trips.
Continue to increase parent awareness of obesity,
juvenile diabetes, oral health, nutrition, program
attendance, health homes, family outcomes; and
issues for teen parents.
Continue to review and look at how to better use
technology.
Initiate use of Monitoring Suite in ChildPlus.Net and
the Parent Assessment Tool.
Apply for DECAL licensing for new Pierce facility
when completed.
Begin process of Quality Rating System Standards for
interested centers.
Construct Appling Center from SPLOST/CDBG funds.
Increase number of success stories/center stories in
local newspapers.
Begin process of licensing, if applicable, new
locations.
Move Pierce Head Start playground adjacent to the
center.
Apply for revised DECAL license at Toombs County
Center for change of one pre-school classroom to
infant/toddler classroom.
Continue to build and strengthen relationships with
LEA’s.
Hire additional substitutes.
Move to new sites in Candler and Clinch.
Open new classroom in Pearson.
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Continue to explore converting Head Start slots to
Early Head Start.
Hire additional family advocates, quality assurance
monitors and floater/data entry assistants as funding
permits.
Work with Southeast Health District, and other
partners, to expand the community garden program
to all sites.
Consider offering limited transportation if budget
permits.
Seek opportunities to house all classrooms within
one site in counties with current multiple locations.
Explore options for implementing behavior
management classrooms as needed.
Designate a parent room at each site where space is
available.
Offer Early Head Start in every county and consider
housing a classroom on site at high schools to better
serve teen parents.
Increase number of Early Head Start transition
rooms.
Rotate older furniture out and replace with new
furniture/equipment.
Establish a plan to replace/update technology
equipment at all centers.
Expand services when funds are available.
Initiate program for facilities to be more energy
efficient.
Maintain and/or enhance security systems in
classrooms and playgrounds.
Seek funding opportunities/partnerships/CDBG
grants for new or upgrades of facilities where
needed.
Explore additional services (year round and
before/after school care) to meet client’s needs.
College Colors Day is celebrated each fall at the centers. The
event strives to promote higher education. Staff and families
enjoy showing their spirit for their favorite college team.
By the Numbers
Statistics for the 2013-2014 program year are:
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839 funded enrollment slots for Head Start (HS);
49 HS classes;
1,030 total enrollment for HS;
168 funded enrollment for Early Head Start (EHS);
21 EHS classes;
192 total enrollment for EHS;
2 expectant families enrolled in EHS
4 homeless families assisted;
Hispanic or Latino children – EHS: 6; HS: 82;
51 families note Spanish as their primary language;
2,601 total volunteers;
1,704 parent/former parent volunteers;
Over 7,800 volunteer hours;
1,075 children enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHIP;
57 children with no health insurance;
43 children with private or other insurance;
100% of EHS children up to date on immunizations;
744 children (62%) with up-to-date EPSDT (Early
Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Program);
63 Head Start and 6 Early Head Start children
received Mental Health services;
958 children (78%) received dental care;
848 single parent homes;
246 two parent homes;
8 military families;
18 families received TANF;
109 families received SSI;
685 families received WIC;
728 families received SNAP;
274 parents with less than high school education;
148 parents in job training or school;
720 males attended activities;
109 HS children with an IEP;
61 EHS children with an IFSP.
347,334 children’s meals and snacks served.
100% enrollment maintained
200 children left the program during the year;
73 children enrolled in EHS for two or more years;
218 children enrolled in HS for two or more years;
70 EHS children transitioned to HS;
227 children in HS projected to enter Kindergarten;
1,094 families served;
93% of eligible children served.
The annual “Spring Into Fitness” is always a big hit as we promote healthy
lifestyles for our children, families and staff. A number of collaborative partners
always come out to assist during the event.
Head Start & Early Head Start Enrollment
by Race
Asian:
Black or African American;
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander:
Indian
White:
Biracial/Multi-racial:
Unspecified*:
*Families who declined to declare a race
0
713
0
1
340
80
88
Staff of the Year
Ms. Angela Carr, Health/Nutrition Specialist, was
named Staff of the Year for the 2013-2014 program
year. Ms. Carr started in the classroom as a teacher
assistant in December of 1992. In April 2001, Ms. Carr
took the position of Family Advocate. After working as a
family advocate for a number of years, she was
promoted to a Family Advocate Monitor and then a
Quality Assurance Monitor for Family Services as well as
second in charge at the Coffee County Head Start
Center.
Ms. Carr holds the prestigious Credential for
Strengths-Based Family Workers, previously known as
the Family Development Credential, and was one of the
first individuals to go through the credential process in
the state. She has also served as a portfolio advisor and
mentored other front line family service workers
through the process. Ms. Carr holds an AA degree in
Sociology from South Georgia State College, where she
attended at night while a single parent.
Ms. Carr is the proud mother of two children,
Laquanta and Malcolm, both of whom attended Head
Start. Ms. Carr’s granddaughter, Rakiya, currently
attends Head Start. Angela resides in Douglas and is an
active member of Radical Praise Ministries, where she
holds several leadership positions.
“On behalf of CSI, I wish to congratulate Ms. Carr,”
stated Ophelia Gaines, Executive Director. “We are very
proud of the exemplary staff of the agency, and Ms. Carr
is a wonderful example for our agency.” “Always willing
to go the extra mile for the children and families we
serve, Ms. Carr always has a smile on her face and is
willing to jump in wherever needed,” stated Dr. Shelli
Tyre, Head Start Director. Ms. Carr was recognized at
the Georgia Head Start Spring Conference on St. Simons
Island in May.
Angela Carr is congratulated by
Dr. Shelli Tyre.
Children and parents enjoy the annual “Nature Walk.” Parents
then join the children in creating art work from the “treasures”
they found on their walk.
Education
The CSI Head Start Program uses Creative Curriculum
for both Preschool and Infants and Toddlers. Partnering
for Healthy Babies – A Home Visiting Curriculum is used
for families that are expecting in the Early Head Start
Program. Additional curriculum resources include the
following: Pinnacle; Wings; I’m Moving, I’m Learning;
Let’s Move; Second Step; Safety Sam; Zoo-Phonics; and
STEP Emergent Literacy.
The Screening Tools used are Ages & Stages for Early
Head Start and DIAL-4 for Head Start and any EHS
enrollees that are age 2 years 6 months or older. All
screening was completed prior to the 45 day deadline.
The Assessment Tool used for Head Start and Early Head
Start is Teaching Strategies Gold. This is a seamless
assessment tool that includes dual language learners,
special needs, and goes up to Kindergarten age. The
assessment information is gathered and aggregated
three times during the school year. Observations and
anecdotal notes are recorded daily and are used to
score the assessment on each child.
All of our sites are now online with the assessment.
New computers were placed in the classrooms. This is
an asset to the teachers in the assessment process. The
additional reports help staff share information at
Parent/Teacher Conferences, with LEA’s, and
administrators. This information helps our staff focus
on what is important for each child’s learning and
development.
At the end of each assessment period, Parent/Teacher
Conferences are held and each child’s development is
summarized and discussed with parents.
Meetings are scheduled throughout the year for the
Site Supervisors and other staff to meet with the Board
of Education staff to discuss the assessment information
and progress.
Early Head Start sites held Summer Sessions at their
sites during June and July. Information was shared with
the parents on summer safety and healthy recipes.
The following activities help promote physical activity
and are a part of our curriculum – Turkey Trot; Jingle
Bell Jog; Sock Hop; and Spring Forward Into Fitness. The
“Spring Forward into Fitness” events were held at each
of the sites and encouraged children, families, and staff
to participate in various health activities such as Zumba
exercise; Fruit Smoothies; Blood Pressure Checks; Child
Fingerprinting. Information from local health agencies
such as the Health Department, Doctor Offices, and
Dental Offices was shared with families and staff.
Transition
Transition Plans are completed on Early Head Start
enrollees when they reach 2 years 6 months of age.
Transition plans are also completed on Head Start
enrollees who will be attending Kindergarten. Visits are
made in April to the Kindergarten or Head Start center
that the child will be attending the next school term.
Transition Agreements are signed by the Head Start
Program and the local Board of Educations as well as
Babies Can’t Wait.
Transition packets are given out to those enrollees
that will be leaving the Early Head Start or Head Start
Programs. Information is provided to parents on
requirements for registration; expectations of children
entering Kindergarten; setting a schedule for their child
to prepare them for the new year and new school; and
how to advocate for their children. In addition, children
and parents are encouraged to visit their new school
and attend any upcoming events or fairs. The centers
share videos and books with children about going to
Kindergarten. In addition, where possible, lunch trays
are used to prepare the children for getting their trays in
Kindergarten. Enrollee’s files, with parental consent,
are transferred to the school that they will be attending.
Information is also shared by the Education
Component at the Education Committee meetings on
transitioning and being an advocate for the child.
Above: Positive messages are important. Right: Children
prepare for the Annual Turkey Trot Event. Below: children are
recognized for perfect attendance.
CLASS:
CSI Head Start has a Certified Preschool CLASS Trainer
for both Preschool and Toddler on staff along with 6
staff members certified as CLASS reliable observers.
Plans are to have additional staff certified as CLASS
observers to assist in the coaching and monitoring
process. During the program’s Federal Review in
February of 2014, the following CLASS scores were
received:
CSI
Head Start
Emotional Support
Positive Climate
Negative Climate
Teacher Sensitivity
Regard for Student
Perspectives
Classroom Organization
Behavior Management
Productivity
Instructional Learning
Formats
Instructional Support
Concept Development
Quality of Feedback
Language Modeling
Minimum
Required
Score
4
National
Median
5.2167
5.53
5.63
4.48
3
5.83
6.04
6.10
5.36
2.6000
2.25
2.58
2.97
2
5.6292
5.38
1.15
5.60
4.68
6.08
6.07
1.05
5.91
5.46
2.83
2.51
2.91
3.28
2013-2014 Overall Progress of Child
Outcomes
At the completion of the 2013-2014 academic year,
Concerted Services, Inc. student assessment data shows
all areas of development experiencing positive growth.
The greatest amount of growth was experienced in
Literacy. Literacy averages increased by 17.5 points
over the course of the school year. There were four
other areas of development that experienced similar
gains throughout the year with positive growth points
from 10.8 (Mathematics), 11.7 (Language), 14.0 (SocialEmotional), to 14.7 (Cognitive).
Physical motor skills, both gross and fine, also
experienced positive growth. Although the growth
points were not as large at the end of the year as those
specified above, these areas of development finished
strong with 89% of all children in the program meeting
or exceeding expectations for their age in Physical Gross
Motor and 93% meeting or exceeding expectations in
Physical Fine Motor. These areas understandably reflect
the least amount of growth since children entering the
program in the fall already have developed many of
these skills. For example, at the end of the fall
assessment period, 70% of all children already met or
exceeded expectations for their age in Physical-Fine
Motor skills.
In a further breakdown of program information, Early
Head Start classrooms experienced the most growth in
Cognitive with 8.1 points. All other areas also reflected
positive growth for the year as follows: 7.9 (SocialEmotional), 7.0 (Language), 6.8 (Literacy), 4.3
(Mathematics), 3.0 (Physical-Gross Motor), and 1.8
(Physical-Fine Motor). As was true of all Concerted
Services, Inc. classrooms combined, Physical-Fine Motor
experienced the least amount of growth yet was the
strongest area overall with 86% of all children meeting
or exceeding expectations by the end of the year.
In analyzing only Head Start classrooms, Literacy
showed the greatest gains with 19.7 points. Cognitive
closely followed with 15.9 points and Social-Emotional
increased by 15.2 points. The remaining areas of
development progressed as follows: Language 12.7
points, Mathematics 12.1 points, Physical-Gross Motor
4.5 points and Physical-Fine Motor gained 3.0 points.
Literacy also was one of the strongest areas overall with
39% of all Head Start children exceeding expectations
for their age by the end of the last assessment for
school year 2013-2014.
Another positive result of the full year assessment was
the realized growth of children three years old at the
beginning of the academic year. This group of children
made even greater gains in all areas than the children
who were four years old at the beginning of the year.
Areas of development such as Cognitive, Literacy and
Mathematics greatly increased to more than 85% of all
three year olds meeting or exceeding expectations by
the end of the school term. These percentages notably
seem to correlate to the children advancing once
exposed to new educational experiences through the
Head Start program. Conversely, four year olds in the
program were only at 50% meeting or exceeding
expectations for their age group by the end of the
school term in these same areas of development. Even
though each area showed substantiated growth for the
year, the percentages were not as substantial because
many of these children were returning children who had
already benefited from the program resulting in smaller
gains for the year.
Why is School Readiness Important?
We know that the years spent in Early Head Start and
Head Start are very critical to a child’s development
throughout his/her life. Having experiences where
enrollees are learning and providing a positive,
accepting environment helps with the children’s future
development and success in life and school.
We know that early experiences influence the brain’s
development. Experiences provide the foundation for
social skills, problem solving, language, reasoning,
behavior, and emotional development.
Concerted Services, Inc. is committed to having all
enrollees prepared to be successful in school and to
have parents aware of their important role in that
educational process. Working together as a team has
enabled the 2013-2014 school year to reflect such
success. Realizing the importance of a strong
education, Concerted Services, Inc. Head Start/Early
Head Start programs will continue to impact our
communities now and in the future by laying the
foundation for success in the children we are entrusted
to serve.
The School Readiness Goals are aligned with the
following: Creative Curriculum; Teaching Strategies
Gold; and the Georgia Early Learning Standards. The
School Readiness Goals are posted throughout the
centers.
CSI Head Start’s goal is for all enrollees to be prepared
to be successful in school; for parents to be involved in
their child’s education; and for the school system to be
ready for the children.
While focusing on school readiness skills, it is
significant to note that the greatest gains toward
accomplishment were made by 4 year old enrollees who
will enter Kindergarten in the fall. In the SocialEmotional area of development, the percentage of 4
year old enrollees having accomplished the designated
goals rose from 12 percent in the fall to 65% in the
spring. Thus, 53% more children moved toward being
ready to enter Kindergarten with the learned skills in
this area. In the same vein, the percentage of children
advancing to accomplished in Approaches to Learning
goals focusing on Initiative and Curiosity rose 52% with a
total of 90% accomplished by the end of the school year.
Alphabet Knowledge and Mathematics goals also
increased 45% and 33% respectively.
Three year old enrollees experienced similar successes
in all areas with percentages rising anywhere from a
high of 38% in Alphabet Knowledge to 12% in
Mathematics. With the continued exposure to new and
challenging learning experiences through our Head Start
program, these children will have a much better
educational foundation for others to build upon in the
future.
As part of School
Readiness, Head Start Staff
meet with representatives
from the local Boards of
Education.
School Readiness
CSI Head Start/Early Head Start has adopted the Head
Start definition of school readiness as children
possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes
necessary for success in school and for later learning in
life.
School Readiness Committees consisting of Head Start
staff, Board of Education staff, and parents were
organized at each site to review, discuss, and have an
input in updating the School Readiness Goals. Children’s
progress on School Readiness Goals is monitored
through observations, assessment data, and ongoing
monitoring.
language while acquiring proficiency in
English.
School Readiness has been a major focus of the 20132014 school year with encouraging results from all age
groups. With the continued success of children
accomplishing designated goals, children transitioning
into the public education arena will be better prepared
for the next phase of their educational journey.
Concerted Services, Inc. designed a School Readiness
Plan that directly correlated to the Head Start
Framework Alignment goals.
The School Readiness Goals for the 2013-2014 school
year were as follows:
Domain: Social/Emotional Development
1.
Children will regulate emotions and behaviors
in the classroom that are appropriate to the
situation.
2.
Children will follow classroom rules, routines,
and directions; and take care of own needs
appropriately.
3.
Children will establish and sustain positive
relationships with adults and peers by
participating cooperatively and
constructively in group situations.
4.
Children will develop confidence in their
abilities while maintaining their family’s
cultural identity.
Domain: Approaches to Learning
Domain: Literacy Development
9.
Children will demonstrate knowledge of the
alphabet and phonological awareness by
identifying and naming letters; the sounds of
letters; and noticing and discriminating units
of sounds within words.
10. Children will interact during read alouds and
book conversations while demonstrating
knowledge of books, print, and print
concepts.
11. Children will demonstrate emergent writing
skills through written representations,
symbols, and letters.
Domain: Cognition and General Knowledge
12. Children will regularly use math concepts and
operations to count, quantify, compare, and
measure in everyday routines.
13. Children will explore and demonstrate an
understanding of patterns, spatial
relationships, and shapes.
14. Children will use scientific skills to observe,
manipulate, ask questions, make predictions,
and develop theories about the
characteristics of living things and the earth’s
environment; the physical properties of
objects and materials; and about self, people,
and how they live.
Domain: Physical Development and Health
5.
Children will demonstrate interest, creativity,
and an eagerness to learn in various topics
and activities.
15. Children will demonstrate the ability to use
gross motor skills for movement; navigation;
and balance.
6.
Children will demonstrate a desire to learn
independently; and to engage in problem
solving and learning activities with
persistence, attention, curiosity, and
inventiveness.
16. Children will demonstrate the ability to use fine
motor skills.
17. Children will identify and practice healthy
habits and safety routines.
Parent and Family Goals:
Domain: Language Development
7.
8.
Children will listen to, understand, and use an
increasingly complex vocabulary to
communicate and express thoughts and
needs to adults and peers.
Children who are dual language learners will
demonstrate competency in their home
1.
Parents and families are safe, healthy, and have
increased financial security.
2.
Beginning with transitions to parenthood,
parents and families develop warm
relationships that nurture their child’s
learning and development.
3.
Parents and families observe, guide, promote,
and participate in the everyday learning of
their children at home, school, and in their
communities.
4.
Parents and families advance their own
learning interests through education,
training, and other experiences that support
their parenting, career, and life goals.
5.
Parents and families support and advocate for
their child’s learning and development as
they transition to new learning
environments, including Early Head Start to
Head Start; Head Start to Pre-K; Early Head
Start/Head Start to other early learning
environments; and Head Start to
Kindergarten through elementary school.
6.
7.
Parents and families form connections with
peers and mentors in formal or informal
social networks that are supportive and/or
educational and that enhance social wellbeing and community life.
Parents and families participate in leadership
development, decision-making, program
policy development, or in community and
state organizational activities to improve
children’s development and learning
experiences.
Disabilities
Children with special needs encompassed over 10% of
the funded enrollment for the 2013-2014 Program year.
122 Head Start and 66 Early Head Start children were
diagnosed with special needs. Staff attended IEP/IFSP
meetings and worked with families on advocating for
their children. Services are provided in the least
restrictive environment, including inclusion classrooms
where staff is assisted by the Board of Education staff.
We have a strong relationship with our local LEA’s
and private providers. Services are provided in Speech/
Language; Pre-school Intervention; Vision Impairment;
Physical Therapy; Hearing Impairment; and Mental
Health. Monthly newsletters are sent out to the staff
and parents to provide information on various
disabilities and services. Adaptive materials are
purchased for children with disabilities as needed.
Our program collaborated with Parent to Parent of
Georgia to present “What a Great Idea! A Brief
Overview of Special Education for Parents and Families.”
The trainings focused on learning about referrals and
how to prepare for the IEP (Individualized Education
Program) meeting. Plans are to offer this workshop in
the upcoming program year as well. A support group
for families of children with special needs was formed.
A representative from Saddle-up Therapeutic Riding
spoke to the parents about the benefits of therapeutic
riding.
The Children diagnosed as special needs during the
2013-2014 school year are noted below.
Category
Head Start
Vision Impairment
Hearing/Deafness
Deaf/Blind
Emotional/Behavioral
Autism
Health Impairment
Traumatic Brain
Injury
Learning Disability
Orthopedic
Impairment
1
0
0
1
0
2
0
Early Head
Start
0
1
0
1
0
4
0
3
1
0
0
Speech/Language
39
28
Developmental Delay
52
22
Mental Retardation
0
0
Non-Categorized Other
1
1
Multiple Disabilities
22
9
Total
122
66
Figures do not note that they have an IEP or IFSP
Monitoring
The program’s triennial review took place in February
of 2014. During the Federal Review, CSI Head Start had
no deficiencies. The following is a breakdown of the
areas reviewed, along with a synopsis of the program’s
outcomes:
CSI Head Start is proud of their active Health Services
Committee. Chairman, Barbara Miller, R.N., is a former
Health Department Manager. A local audiologist and
pediatrician are also active members.
Mental Health
CSI Head Start contracts with a licensed Mental Health
Consultant. She provides services to enrollees, family
and staff. She assists with setting up appointments and
providing the needed support.
The Mental Health Consultant visits all of our sites on
a monthly basis. Monthly calendars are provided to
each site identifying the dates that the consultant will
be available. Emergency visits are also available. The
Consultant is also available to our staff and families for
counseling as needed.
Mental Health is promoted in all components to
ensure the children’s overall health and well-being. The
Mental Health Consultant completes child assessments
on all referred children with parental consent. The
consultant works closely with the teacher by providing
classroom intervention. She also provides instructions
for parents to use at home.
The Second STEP curriculum and Conscious Discipline
techniques are used to assist with non-violent problem
solving. Conscience Discipline training was provided to
staff during In-Service during the 2013-14 program year.
Conscious Discipline techniques are also given to the
parents who were encouraged to use them at home.
The Mental Health Consultant also provides staff
training. Staff support days are conducted several times
throughout the program year. The Mental Health
Consultant also prepares a resource notebook for all
sites which focused on mental health and disability
resources.
Program Governance: All areas were in compliance.
This area was identified as a strength for our program,
specifically noting the number of Governing Board and
Policy Council members that are active participants in
city and county governments.
Fiscal: We had one finding in this area, which has
already been corrected. We did not have a procedure in
place to ensure that we went through the proper steps
in making a budget revision. This has been addressed so
that we remain in compliance.
Family & Community Engagement: All areas were in
compliance. We were commended for our family and
community engagement programs and documentation.
Child Health & Safety: All areas were in compliance.
We were commended on our outstanding facilities,
noting the number of facilities that have been obtained
with CDBG grants through partnerships with local
governments. We did have a couple of areas of
concern, including some minor repairs which were
completed during the review.
Child Development & Education: All areas were in
compliance. We were commended for our Disabilities
component. We had a concern in the area of teacher
qualifications, but have developed professional
development plans and resubmitted transcripts to
alleviate the concern.
CLASS: Compliance in the area of CLASS was not yet
determined as of the end of the program year. Results
comparing our scores to scores across the nation are
typically available in late fall/early winter of the next
program year.
Self-Assessment
The program self-assessment was conducted January
– April, 2014. Staff, parents, Policy Council, Governing
Board and community volunteers took part in the selfassessment process. A few areas in which growth
opportunities were identified were noted, and
corrective action plans were put in place to address
those areas. The Self Assessment Summary Plan was
approved by both Policy Council and Governing Board.
Program monitoring is an on-going process, with the
Head Start Director, Management Staff, and Quality
Assurance Monitors regularly monitoring all aspects of
the Head Start program to ensure compliance with all
rules and regulations as well as continuous
improvement.
Head Start staff were models for the fashion
show as part of the Celebrate Success workshop
enjoyed by parents.
Celebrate Success
Parents had the opportunity to attend a job skills
workshop, “Celebrate Success.” The workshop focused
on those important skills needed for applying for a job
and what employers are looking for in potential
employees. Funded through a grant from Wal-Mart,
and held at Grace Episcopal Church, parents began the
morning with a breakfast and a presentation from
Patrick Simmons from the Department of Labor. Mr.
Simmons spoke about the importance of completing job
applications correctly and making the right first
impression to a potential employer.
Janet Wright of Wal-Mart, and Jennifer Sapp of Mayo
Clinic Health Systems, Waycross, spoke to the group
about what they look for in employees and the process
their organizations utilize to screen potential applicants.
Both ladies went into great detail about how important
that first interview is and what businesses expect when
they hire individuals.
The highlight of the workshop was a fashion show
featuring Head Start staff as the models. Models
“strutted their stuff” to cheers from the parents as they
modeled clothes, courtesy of Belk of Waycross, that
would be appropriate for an interview. Parents were
also given a goody bag with items they could use for
that all important job search
Above: Former Head Start child returns to read to the children where
he received his Head Start! Below: Children enjoy on-site field trips
from various community partners, especially local fire departments.
Facilities
State Licensing
CSI has a long history of working with their local and
state government officials for applying and receiving
CDBG (Community Development Block Grants) as well as
other types of partnerships. Facilities already built with
CDBG funds are Atkinson, Bacon (expansion at ABC Child
Development Center), Brantley Head Start, Coffee Pine
Street, Toombs and two grants at Hazzard Hill Early
Head Start.
Pierce County recently received a CDBG grant for a
new facility. Construction began at the end of the 20122013 program year, and the move-in was completed in
November 2013. The new site houses three Head Start
classrooms and one Early Head Start classroom.
Appling County has also received funding to build a
new facility that will house Head Start and a new Senior
Citizen Center for the agency. Plans are being drawn
and construction is expected to begin in 2015.
New facility locations were obtained at the end of the
2013-2014 program year in three of our service
counties. The Atkinson County Commission provided a
space and renovations for us to open a Head Start
classroom in Pearson. Data from our Community
Assessment indicated the need for services in Pearson,
and community leaders supported our efforts to get the
classroom operational to start the 2014-2015 school
year.
A partnership with Clinch Memorial Hospital has
provided space for our Clinch County Head Start
program. The hospital provided land on which we could
place a modular building to house our two classrooms
which were slated to be operational to start the new
program year.
Our program partnered with the City of Metter to
move into a larger facility in Candler County. The
facility, operational to begin the 2014-2015 school year,
is large enough to house the two Head Start classrooms
already in existance in Candler County, as well as the
new Early Head Start classroom. In addition, space is
available to grow the program based on needs identified
in our Community Assessment.
Although Head Start centers are exempt from state
child care licensing, CSI Head Start has taken a proactive
approach regarding state licensing and the following
sites are currently licensed: ABC Child Development
Head Start, Atkinson Head Start/Early Head Start, Bacon
Northside Head Start, Bacon Southside Head Start,
Brantley Head Start, Brantley Early Head Start, Charlton
Head Start, Coffee Head Start/Pre-K at Pine Street,
Hazzard Hill Early Head Start, Jeff Davis Head Start,
Toombs Head Start, and Ware County Head Start/Pre-K.
An amended application was filed for the addition to
the Hazzard Hill Early Head Start Center and was
approved by State Licensing. Plans have begun on the
licensing application for the Pierce County Head
Start/Early Head Start Center. In addition, we are
starting the preliminary work on the licensing capability
of the new facility locations for some of our other sites.
Community Gardens
A unique partnership between the Southeast Health
District and the Satilla Health Foundation has produced
a “community” garden at our Ware County Head Start
Center. The garden, built entirely by volunteers and
funded by the Foundation, has been an exciting addition
to the center. Children have planted a variety of
vegetables and fruits, and parents have learned how to
use them to prepare healthy meals. Plans are to expand
the garden project to Coffee County next year and
hopefully to other sites as well.
New Pierce County Head Start/Early
Head Start facility. Children have been
enjoying learning how to plant and grow
vegetables and fruit.
Tricycle Rodeo
Children at the Brantley County Head Start enjoyed
the Tricycle Rodeo. Children learned about tricycle
safety and after successfully completing the obstacle
course, they were able to receive their tricycle driver’s
license from Officer Gene Solano. Children also received
a free tricycle helmet. We are happy to report that
there were no collisions!
We are also pleased that the program was once again
awarded a grant to participate in the Reading Is
Fundamental (RIF) program. This grant is 100% fully
funded for RIF through Macy’s.
Officer Solano issues the child’s tricycle
driver’s license after successful
completion of the obstacle course.
Technology
Above: Parents sign up for library cards at the annual Pajama Reading Party.
Below: Children and parents enjoy wearing their pajamas to the event.
Literacy Coordinator, Carol Clarke, is the Cat in the Hat at local libraries as
part of the Read Across America activities. These programs are held in
collaboration with our local libraries.
CSI Head Start continues to strive to reduce
paperwork through the use of technology. Family
Services staff utilize electronic applications. Education
staff have moved to online child assessments.
Classrooms are equipped with computers for children to
use, while some also have interactive boards and tablets
for use by children.
Emergent & Family Literacy
Emergent and Family Litearacy was and continues to
be a priority at Head Start. Programs and special events
such as the Pajama (P.J.) Reading Party, McDonald’s
Reading Rangers, Read Across America, Reading is
Fundamental, Read to a Child Program, Library Card Sign
Up Month, JumpStart Read for the Record, Georgia
Read Aloud Day, and others were held. A special parent
literacy workshop was held this year and the response
was so enthusiastic, that plans are to expand it to other
sites in the upcoming year. These programs and events
help to reinforce the need to read aloud to children and
to increase children’s vocabulary.
Parents are encouraged to complete their high school
education, and family advocate staff refer families to
their local adult education centers.
Below: CSI Executive Director, Ophelia Gaines, is a
frequent visitor at the centers and enjoys speaking with
parents and staff and interacting with the children.
Reading Is Fundamental
Children received two free books during the year in
connection with the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) book
distributions. RIF affords children the opportunity to
select a free book to take home which they can use to
start or add to their home library. Books were paid for
by RIF. Centers plan special reading motivational
activities for the children and their families. The smiles
on the children’s faces with their new books speaks
volumes.
funds which were available to assist them in attending
college and advancing their professional development.
Changes to the incentive/scholarship program have
included The Awards for Early Educators Program, which
is a limited time program intended to encourage
individuals who pursue higher credentials and degrees.
The program will award a single bonus at each level to
eligible applicants who earn a CDA, TCC, ECE Diploma,
AA, BA or MA degree. A number of staff have been able
to take advantage of this program. In addition, DECAL
has also increased the number of payments to eligible
staff.
CSI Head Start continues the voluntary process of
having staff input their professional development
information into the State’s Professional Development
Registry (PDR). The PDR enables individual professionals
to record, monitor, and verify their credentials and
training. Approximately 95% of CSI Head Start staff are
in the PDR.
Professional Development
CSI continues to be very proactive in the area of staff
development and training. The program has a DECAL
(Department of Early Care and Learning) approved
trainer, one CLASS certified trainer; two American Heart
Association CPR and First Aid trainers; one nationally
certified playground inspector; two Darkness to Light
instructors; one certified Better Brains for Babies
trainers; one Going to School instructor; and one
certified Strenghtening Families Georgia trainer. Preservice and in-service trainings were approved for state
approved hours and staff received trainings throughout
the year. Staff have also been able to take advantage of
several on-line state approved trainings.
Plans are to increase the number of in-service
opportunities during the upcoming program year, and
staff have also been able to take advantage of a number
of free on-line state approved trainings.
Staff members at licensed sites were able to take
advantage of DECAL incentives and scholarship
All CSI Head Start teachers have an AA degree or
higher and meet the Federal mandate. Additionally,
over 65% of Head Start teachers have a BA degree or
higher, exceeding the 50% requirement. Statistics of
interest for the 2013-2014 program year (from August,
2013 - July, 2014):
 Over 4,269 hours of college;
 Over 11,989 hours of training;
 3,279 hours DECAL approved training;
 All Early Head Start teachers have a minimum
CDA in infant/toddler or higher credential;
 Over 95% of staff certified in CPR and First Aid;
 All lunchroom personnel and the Nutrition
Specialist have completed ServSafe training;
 12 staff hold a Master’s Degree;
 Only 3 Early Head Start and 6 Head Start
teacher turnover positions during the year.
Staff participates in numerous professional development
activities and workshops during the year.
Darkness To Light
CSI Head Start received a grant from the Waycross
Exchange Club to present the Darkness to Light:
Stewards of Children training. The training focuses on
child sexual abuse prevention and funds received will
allow us to train fifty parents. A certified trainer is on
staff and plans are to present the training in the Fall of
2014.
Pinwheels for Prevention
CSI Head Start joined the Okefenokee Alliance for Kids,
Girl Scouts, Waycross and Blackshear Exchange Clubs,
and community members to place Pinwheels for
Prevention. Each pinwheel represented a reported child
abuse/neglect case. In Ware County there were 373
pinwheels placed by the Quality Inn, and at the Pierce
County Courthouse 211 pinwheels were placed. The
Pinwheels for Prevention project brings community
awareness to the serious problem of child abuse and
neglect.
Volunteers help place the pinwheels. Anita
Young, Parent & Community Engagement
Coordinator, receives a check from the Waycross
Exchange Club to purchase the pinwheels.
Public Relations
CSI’s Head Start program receives a great deal of
publicity in the communities served. There are fourteen
local newspapers in our service area - only one of which
is published daily. Editors continue to support the
program, and approximately 200 articles were published
in the past year. Arrangements are made to provide
speakers for local civic clubs, and the program has been
well received at these events. Local, state and regional
agencies and organizations support our program. We
participate in community events such as Day of the Child
and other local community events. Staff attend local
Chamber of Commerce events such as “Rise & Shine”
and “Business After Hours.”
Collaborative Partnerships
CSI Head Start has always prided itself on its
collaborative partners. This year we expanded the
number of sites using local technical college and high
school CNA student volunteers to assist with growth
assessments and blood pressures for our Head Start
children.
CSI Head Start has many other valuable collaborative
partners. Program staff members are involved with all of
the Family Connection Agencies and attend their
monthly meetings. Civic clubs such as the Waycross
Kiwanis Club, Leadership Waycross Alumni, and others
are supporters of the program and assist with special
activities.
Other partnerships include local libraries, health
departments, UGA Cooperative Extension, local
technical colleges, local Police and Fire Departments,
EMS services, UNISON Behavioral Center, Georgia
Southern University, etc. Many of these partners
provide “on-site” field trip experiences at the centers
and/or provide parent training.
The children have enjoyed having the CNA
students conduct their heights and weights.
Children learn about fire safety from local
fire fighters.
Obesity Task Force
During a meeting of the Southeast Georgia Childhood
Obesity Taskforce those attending, from all over the
state, had the opportunity to witness a very special
presentation. The children from the Ware County Head
Start Pre-K Classroom of Brenda Smith and Leiann
Morgan performed several songs from “I’m Moving, I’m
Learning.” Wearing their “Oh The Things We’ll Grow” tshirts, the children were a hit at Mayo Health System of
Waycross.
“They marched, danced and sang their little hearts
out,” stated Dr. Shelli Tyre. As they took their bows the
children received a standing ovation!
Currently, Concerted Services, Inc. Head Start Policy
Council is made up of twenty-one members: fourteen
parent representatives and seven community
representatives. There is a Head Start parent
representative and alternate from each of our twelvecounty service area. There are additionally two at-large
Early Head Start parents. Currently the at-large Early
Head Start representatives have been elected from
Hazzard Hill and Pierce County Early Head Start.
The seven at-large community members represent the
following counties: Appling – Program Associate from
the Appling County Health Department; Bacon –
Chairperson – retired educator/Council member;
Brantley – Tax Commissioner; Clinch – former Educator;
Pierce – Family Connections Executive Director; Toombs
– Registered Nurse from the Toombs County Health
Department; and Ware – retired educator. Members
may serve up to a maximum of three years on the Policy
Council.
Policy Council
Head Start grantees must ensure they have an
established Policy Council and a well-functioning
governing body which shares the responsibility for the
oversight of the program while following the
Performance Standards. Program governance in Head
Start is a shared responsibility. Board members and
Policy Council members are critical to the success of our
program.
The Policy Council also shares responsibility with the
management team to ensure there are effective
systems, policies & procedures that strengthen the
quality of the program. Their role helps the
management team deliver high quality services to the
children and families.
The Policy Council is responsible for reviewing and
approving the Head Start budget, personnel hiring/
terminations, grant applications, procedure changes,
and other important items.
Parent Policy Council members serve as a link
between parents and the Parent Committee. By
reporting back to their center’s Parent Committee, they
help the parents they represent better understand the
role and functioning of the Policy Council.
Parents attend annual Policy Council Training.
Faces of Head Start
Tangie Dotson Green says she received a wonderful
th
As the 50 anniversary of Head Start approaches, we
thought it fitting to share some success stories. For fifty
years, Head Start has been the model for providing the
whole child an opportunity for success in school and in
life. Since the summer of 1965, more than 31 million
children and their families nation-wide have benefitted
from Head Start’s comprehensive services. The
following are a few of the success stories of CSI Head
Start.
While attending Ware County Head Start, Ish Davis
was a “Head Start King” for two years in a row. “Head
Start was the beginning of what my future
would become,” Ish stated. “Thanks to Mrs.
Leaphart – you made a difference in my life.”
Ish is now a student at the University of
Pittsburg studying computer engineering.
With a GPA of 4.0, Ish was awarded a full
tuition academic scholarship of $96,000. He
is the son of Shantier Coffee, Teacher
Assistant for Head Start.
beginning to her education through Head Start. She can
still recall her first two teachers who were loving, kind,
patient, and fun. She says the teachers exposed her
class to routines, schedules, repetition, and a sense of
learning that helped her to develop an appetite for
education. “This foundation prepared and carried me
from elementary school through high school where I
received a scholarship to attend Florida A&M
University.”
Ms. Green graduated a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant
in the Army Reserve with a Bachelor’s Degree in PrePharmacy. Ms. Green is currently a Pharmacy Manager
in Jacksonville, Florida and is the daughter of Minnie
Dotson, former Lead Teacher for Head Start who has
come out of retirement and is currently a floater for the
program.
Left: Ish Davis visits CSI and talks
about his experience with Dr. Shelli
Tyre and mom, Shantier Coffee.
Right: Tangie Green and her family.
Mr. Raphael Maddox attended Reidsville Head Start
Sean Harris was a former student of Mrs. Grant and
Mrs. James at Reidsville Head Start. He is the grandson
of Houston and Ora Cooper of Waycross. Mrs. Cooper is
a former Head Start Teacher and currently is a regular
substitute for the Ware County Head
Start Center. Sean graduated from
Valdosta State University with a
degree in Business Marketing and
Sales. Sean has been working with
AT&T for five years as a Corporate
Account Representative in Atlanta, GA.
Sean believes “Head Start is a great
place to begin your future of what you
can become.”
Sean Harris above and right is Raphael Maddox.
where Minnie Stafford was his teacher. Mr. Maddox
currently serves as City Manager for the City of
Waycross. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Business Administration, with a concentration in Human
Resources Management, from Columbia Southern
University. Mr. Maddox served in the U.S. Army and
received three Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint
Service Commendation Medal, five Army
Commendations, five Army Achievement Medals, and
various other unit and service awards. Mr. Maddox is
an active member of the community and
serves on several organizations. In talking
about Head Start, he states “It was a great
foundation for preparing me for school. It
taught me how to get along with other
children and diversity.” Mr. Maddox has
returned to Head Start as a volunteer
through the Leadership Waycross program
where he has been spotted reading to the children.
Head Start has helped Shatavia Buck achieve her
goals. This mother of 5 was a former Head Start student
and all of her children attended Ware County Head
Start. A former Early Head Start and Head Start teacher,
Ms. Buck became the Center Coordinator for Ware
County Head Start, where she received her Head Start.
She received her Master of Arts Degree from Troy
University and is continuing her education by working
towards her Doctorate Degree in Teaching and Learning
K-12. She would like to “thank Head Start for allowing
her to reach for the stars and follow her dreams.”
When Michael Wandoff entered Head Start, he was a
3 ½ year old visually-impaired child with virtually no
language skills, along with nutritional, growth, social and
motor skill deficiencies. While in the
program, Michael received medical and
dental support, mental health services,
self-help skills, hygiene skills, a fullfledged nutritional program consisting
of breakfast, lunch, and snack, speech
services, and “individualized”
instruction. When Michael left Head
Start, he entered Kindergarten reading
at a first grade level. Michael’s
grandmother, Karen Wandoff, says, “The Head Start
program has been monumental in helping Michael
progress. He was not behaviorally, emotionally, socially,
or academically ready for school. The individualized
instruction he received from the program took him from
a virtually blank slate to a fluent reader and a successful
Kindergarten student.”
The foundation Head Start provided
Mercedez Cobb, a senior at Ware County High
School, has allowed her to excel academically
as well as socially. She is an Honor Student,
year round varsity cheerleader, leadership
member, student council chairman, National
Honor Society member, Beta Club member,
and was recently named Homecoming Queen.
In the fall of 2015, Mercedez plans to attend
Armstrong Atlantic State University in
Savannah and major in radiology.
Donna Minchew, daughter of
Robert and Lisa Minchew, began
attending Atkinson County Head Start
in 2008. There was some
apprehension at the time of her entry
because Donna did not speak and had
to be fed through a feeding tube.
With the help of her mother and a
school nurse, the Lead Teacher, Ms.
Jackson, learned how to feed Donna.
Donna also went to the lunchroom
and was provided a plate just like all
of the other children. Today, Donna is thriving at
Willacoochee Elementary School. She is eating
everything and talking to everyone.
Andriette A. Roberts began her Head Start journey in
1985. She was 3 years old and her mother, a single
parent, was determined for her to have the necessary
tools to ensure her education began on firm ground.
She credits Head Start for providing her with a solid
foundation that made school come easy
to her early on, giving her confidence and
creating her thirst for knowledge and
success. Ms. Roberts graduated with
honors from high school and went to
Clark Atlanta University on academic and
athletic scholarships. She graduated cum
laude with a BA degree in
Political Science. She then
moved to New York and attended Hofstra
University School of Law. She earned her
Juris Doctorate from Hofstra Law in 2009
and passed the New York State Bar that
same year. Currently, Ms. Roberts is an
associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in
New York, New York. She represents
management in a broad range of labor and
employment law matters.
Patrick Amspacher and his mother, Family Advocate
Denise Herrin, thank Head Start staff for helping Patrick
develop the necessary skills he needs in
life today. Patrick is now a senior in High
School with a 4.0 GPA. Patrrick is
currently a dual enrollee - taking classes
at the high school as well as classes at
South Georgia State College. He plans to
transfer to the University of Georgia after
Graduation.
Duncan Ratliff, former Head
Start student, currently attends
Waycross Middle School where
he is in the gifted program.
Duncan maintains an A average
and was inducted into the
National Junior Honor Society.
Duncan’s mom is a teacher
assistant for Head Start.
Destiny Lankford attended Ware County
Head Start and is now 2nd in her class at
Bacon County High School. She
is in all Gifted/Honor classes and
has a 4.0 GPA. Destiny plans to
go to the University of Georgia
to become a Psychiatrist. She
strongly feels that Head Start
had an impact on her education.
Her mom, Amanda Lankford, is
now the Assistant Head Start
Director.
Shaquaris Holmes attended
Arlesia Evans was a Head Start Parent and was
recognized as Parent of the Year. Her children Jayla and
Layla Evans attended AVK Early Head Start in 2010 and
branched to Ware County Head Start. Ms. Evans put in
many hours as a parent volunteer until she became one
of Head Starts own as a teacher assistant. She later
moved up as a teacher at one of our Early Head Start
sites.
Vanessa Benitez, former Head Start student, is
currently a very busy student at Pierce County High
School. She has been a member of
the Sound of Silver Marching band
th
since 6 grade, is on the A/B Honor
Roll, is a member of the FBLA and the
Junior Honor Society, and is active in
her community. She loves to read and
write her own stories on the popular
website, Wattpad. Vanessa plans to
attend Kennesaw State University
after graduation in 2017.
Right: Parents enjoy the annual “Let’s Play Together” event,
which encourages outdoor play activities.
Head Start. During high school she was a member of
the Ware Conty High School
Cheerleading Squad, Skills USA,
Future Business Leaders of
America Club, Praise Team,
Dance Team and served as
secretary for her church Sunday
School. She was also Secretary
for the 2012-13 Debutantes.
Shaquaris received the Hope
Scholarship and attends Macon
State College with a major in
Political Science. She plans on
becoming an attorney.