FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, September 30, 2011
Contact: Kenneth J. Wolfe
(202) 401-9215
ACF’s Office of Head Start Names Ten Additional Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood
Ten additional Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood were named today by the Office of Head Start in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. These agencies include the first American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start program, the first Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program (MSHS), and the first Head Start program in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to be ranked among the top providers.
“Head Start has strengthened families and communities by helping more than 28 million low-income children and their families prepare for success in school and in life,” said George Sheldon, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families. “We want to acknowledge those programs that have shown a proven track record of going above and beyond to make sure our children reach their highest potential.”
The Centers of Excellence represent the Head Start and Early Head Start programs that have long standing and consistent records of implementing exemplary services and demonstrating positive outcomes for children and families.
To be designated, these agencies are also active partners with other early care and education providers, and collaborate with schools, child care, and other community organizations to deliver comprehensive services in their respective communities. Centers for Excellence serve as models to other programs within their states and regions.
“Out of more than 100 gubernatorial nominations, I want to congratulate these 10 additional Centers of Excellence,” said Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, director for the Office of Head Start. “Their innovations and best practices can help inspire and guide other Head Start programs and the early education community at large as we continue to raise the level of quality for the children and families we serve.”
The 10 newly designated Centers of Excellence for Early Childhood include:
- Pueblo of Laguna, Department of Education (AIAN)
- Central California Migrant Head Start Program (MSHS)
- Diocese of Mayaguez (PR)
- Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc – New York
- Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc - Iowa
- Little Dixie Community Action Agency - Oklahoma
- Board of Regents, University of Nevada - Nevada
- Community Action Project - Oklahoma
- Project NOW - Illinois
- Chattanooga City Human Services - Tennessee
For more information on the Office of Head Start visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs/about/index.html#mission.
###
Note: All ACF news releases, fact sheets and other materials are available at: www.acf.hhs.gov/opa/index.html.