Burke County Head Start

CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority, Inc. operates a Head Start Program which provides professional, comprehensive, quality services to preschool children, families, staff, and communities in Bulloch, Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond Screven, and Warren Counties.

The funded enrollment for the fiscal year was 1,573. Funding sources include the Department of Health and Human Services, and Agriculture Funds received totaled 11.8 million dollars. Hours of operation will range from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. depending on the needs of the community and transportation.

To meet the Head Start Performance Standards the program maintains an adult/child ratio of 1 to 10 in 4 year old classrooms and 1 to 8 in 3 year old classrooms. The education staff meets Health and Human Services requirements for credentialing. All teachers minimally have a child Development Associates credential and others have earned Associates and Bachelors Degrees. Our teacher assistants must have a minimum of child development education from a technical school/college and many have earned the Child Development Associates credential. Our Family Services Workers who have an average caseload of 42. This low caseload allows opportunity for maximum assistance and guidance. The transportation staff includes bus drivers and bus monitors who work effectively to ensure the safety of our customers. Meals are provided by a well-trained and experienced nutrition staff. Janitors and clerical staff also perform their duties to ensure that the best service possible is provided. To ensure that day to day activities are implemented according to Standards, a Center Director is responsible for site operations.

The program units – Early Childhood Development and Health Services, Family and Community Partnerships, Program Design and Management and Governance are supervised by Managers and the Program Director. Each unit has clear goals and responsibilities to ensure that goals and objectives are met.

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