Greenbrier County Schools proudly celebrated Head Start Awareness Day on Oct. 30. This special day was dedicated to recognizing the vital role that Head Start programs play in early childhood education and development.
Head Start was created as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 on May 18, 1965. On Oct. 22, 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month. Since then, it’s been a time for the Head Start community to highlight the program’s life-changing impact. Greenbrier County Schools is proud to be a grantee of the Head Start grant. Head Start is one part of our Universal PreK program.
Superintendent Jeff Bryant expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Head Start program, stating, “Head Start Awareness Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our educators and the incredible progress of our students. We are committed to providing a strong foundation for our youngest learners and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.”
Head Start programs have shown significant positive outcomes for children and families. For example, children participating in Head Start make substantial progress in language, literacy, and math. They also demonstrate better social skills, impulse control, and approaches to learning. Head Start children are also more likely to receive dental checkups and have healthier eating patterns.
With 297 students enrolled in its Universal PreK Program, Greenbrier County Schools remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Head Start Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the importance of early education and the positive outcomes it brings to our community.
Associate Superintendent Nancy Hanna states, “Studies indicate that for every dollar invested in early childhood programs, society receives four to seven dollars in benefits. We are so pleased to provide our children with the best opportunities to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.”
For more information about Greenbrier County Schools and the Head Start program, please visit greenbriercountyschools.org or contact GCS Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Nancy Hanna at nhanna@k12.wv.us or 304-647-7470.
