Early Head Start Program Cuts Ribbon

The brand-new Early Head Start program at Noel held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday at the Head Start building.

Debbie Markman, resource development director, said the Economic Security Corporation, of which Head Start and Early Head Start are programs, applied for a $6 million grant to open up 73 slots for Early Head Start in southwest Missouri. Early Head Start is child care for ages 0 to 3. The Noel location will serve eight children and opened about three weeks ago, Markman said.

"Our agency being able to receive the $6 million is a huge help to parents that are predominantly working in the Noel area," she said.

Jeff Goldammer, director of Head Start and Early Head Start has been with the program 33 years and provides services in four counties in southwest Missouri -- Barton, Jasper, Newton and McDonald.

"We've had a Head Start program here for many years. This is a wonderful opportunity. Now we'll have infant and toddler children in this building as well. We've been connected to the Noel Housing Authority. We actually rent this space from the Noel Housing Authority. We serve about 34 children in our Head Start program and now we'll be serving an additional eight in our infant-toddler classroom. Our goal in our program is to make a difference in the lives of children and families, so we're just excited to get to grow our program and reach more families."

In the infant-toddler classroom, teachers helped toddlers wrap dolls in blankets as they sang.

Becky Briggs, area supervisor, said, "I'm excited that we're able to have the little brothers and sisters of the kids that are in Head Start. There was a need for quality childcare in McDonald County, so this grant was the answer to the need. I think that classroom is like Disneyland for babies. Babies will learn so much. It just gets them off to a great start -- through play; that's how babies learn. It helps their brains make connections. It may look like babies are playing, but they're learning."

Parent Gayla Murray attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony with her seven-month-old son, Colton.

"I really enjoy it," she said of the program. "They're all about the family."

Yessy Dominguez, a teacher aide, said, "I really enjoy just the kids and the environment, watching them grow."

Catarina Torres, mother of Xavy Torres, said that when she came to McDonald County 11 years ago, she could not speak any English. She is still taking English classes and plans to go to college.

"I feel happy because they offer this program. Before, I had to take my baby to Anderson Head Start. This is an opportunity to help parents in Noel. I have more time at home now. That helps me save on gas, too, because I don't have to drive to Anderson to drop him off and pick him up."