Head Start Celebrates 50th Anniversary

October 20, 2015 - In celebration of 50 years of Head Start, the Office of Head Start (OHS) coordinated a national block party which was held on Wednesday, October 14th and Shelby County joined in the celebration.

Head Start families, staff members, volunteers, community partners, and other key stakeholders joined the event. Head Start was delighted to honor everyone with a Fall Festival type event full of various activities and games. Nachos and hot dogs were served in the cafeteria.

Greeting those attending were the Head Start blocks which are two children’s blocks, with abstract stripes of the flag and arrow, symbolizing upward movement.

According to Head Start's website, OHS gave an overview for the year reflecting on and celebrating five key themes:

    Head Start Is a Community Effort. Community partners are essential for success.
    Families Are Powerful Partners. Parents are lifelong educators, nurturers, and advocates of their children.
    Staff Are the Heart of Head Start. We transformed the teaching of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers into a profession.
    Staff, Children, and Families Are Rooted in Culture. Community diversities are integral and reflected in our Head Start programs.
    32 Million Reasons to Be Proud. Head Start and Early Head Start have prepared 32 million children for school and life through comprehensive services that develop the whole child.