Annual Report 2018-19

HEAD START PROGRAM Head Start provided 375 children and their families with comprehensive developmental services, benefiting the entire family unit. Head Start is a comprehensive early education program for children from at-risk backgrounds from ages three to five. From early math and reading skills to confidence and resilience, Head Start helps children build the abilities they need to be successful in school and life. Head Start engages parents as equal partners with their child’s teacher and works closely with the local community to adapt to the needs of each jurisdiction. Every child has the ability to succeed, and together, Head Start supports children, families, and communities on their path to success.

“ 95% of Head Start four-year-olds met or exceeded their developmental range for scientific knowledge. ”

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT In August 2018, New River Community Action Pearisburg Head Start received a visit from Virginia’s First Lady Pamela Northam, and Ms. Jenna Conway, Chief School Readiness Officer. The Pearisburg Head Start visit was part of Ms. Northam’s kick-off back to school tour in Southwest Virginia. During the visit, Ms. Northam and Ms. Conway spoke with Head Start staff about the challenges and successes the community is facing in school readiness. Head Start children were delighted as Ms. Northam engaged them in conversation during the visit and presented themwith new books and supplies for the classroom. Head Start staff couldn’t agree more with Ms. Northam statement, “Every child can really succeed when they have the tools they need for school. But not every child has access to quality or early child- hood education.” NRCA Head Start provides quality preschool services to sixty children in Giles County.

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