Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Turns 60!

Celebrating Six Decades of Impact of Head Start
 
Springfield, MA – May marks sixty years since the inception of Head Start, the nation’s most comprehensive early childhood education program. Since the organization’s founding in 1965, Head Start has helped more than 37 million children across the United States prepare for school and build strong foundations for lifelong learning and well-being, plus provided resources for families and caregivers.
 
Locally, Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) has been a proud part of this sixty year legacy—serving thousands of children and families in neighborhoods across Western Massachusetts. With a mission to provide every child with the opportunity to thrive, HCS Head Start continues to serve as a cornerstone of high-quality early education, comprehensive services, and holistic family support.
 
Head Start was founded as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, and despite current proposed federal cuts, remains committed to providing vital early learning services for young children and families. Today, Head Start and Early Head Start serve nearly 1 million children each year — providing early learning, health screenings, nutritious meals, social-emotional support, and family resources at no cost to eligible families.
 
“Head Start’s birthday is a celebration of what’s possible when communities invest in their youngest learners,” shares Nicole Blais, Chief Executive Officer, HCS Head Start. “We are incredibly proud to do this work and although we are enjoying the celebration and reflection, we’re also reminded this isn’t just a look back; rather a launchpad for what comes next. At HCS Head Start we’re energized for the future as we continue to innovate, adapt, and support the next generation.”
 
To mark this milestone throughout May, HCS Head Start will host birthday-themed activities across their sites to honor the impact of Head Start in our communities, from classroom celebrations to staff appreciation events. On a national level, the National Head Start Association, invites all Head Start alumni to join in honoring this milestone as well. To learn more and get involved visit https://birthday.nhsa.org.
 
As 60 candles are blown out in reflection of six decades of changing lives, empowering families, and opening doors to opportunity, the Head Start team continues to renew the organization’s commitment to ensuring every child has a Head Start on life!
 
For more information or questions please contact Meghan Rothschild (413-218-4994 | meghan@chikmedia.us.
 
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Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start has been providing high-quality early childhood education services for children and families in cities and towns located in Western Massachusetts since 1965. They are committed to providing low-income children and their families with a source of support for a brighter future. They strive to do so by providing high quality comprehensive child development services to enrolled children and empowering families to achieve stability in their home environment.