Head Start under the leadership of Ms. Thelma Newberry, gave me just that, a head start. A Head start in hope when I thought there were no hope. A Head Start in the future , when I thought there were no future, because God had ordained that I had an appointed destiny with the Taylor County Head Start program.
Being a single mother with four boys, living in poverty, working to the local motel ,Head Start became my deliverer. I became a Head Start parent in 1977. Head Start gave me the opportunity to work in the Head Start kitchen on a program called the CETA program, giving me a better income for my family. Head Start gave me the opportunity to grow by letting me volunteer in the classroom, later I was hired as a floating aide , Teacher aide, and finally in 1984 I was hired as Head Start lead teacher. Head Start continue to bless my family and I , in 1985 I became the first Child Development Associate Teacher in the Perry, Florida community.
Today I call myself Ms. Head Start, I still work in the Head Start program under the leadership of Mr. Eric Scott. I am the CDA trainer for all local daycares , served as CDA trainer for the Taylor County School chapter one aides. All of my children went to Head Start, and three of them graduated from High School, and one received a GED.
Last April at 52 years old my dream came true -- I walked across the stage at North Florida Community College and received my Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Today in the Head Start program I serve as family advocate, after 26 years,I feel very blessed to know that there are angels who are touching the lives of children and families all over this nation and their God given name is Head Start.
THANKS HEADSTART !
Diann Mcclain