ESU #13 to take over Head Start in Kimball County

Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Scotts Bluff, Morrill, Kimball, Garden, Cheyenne and Deuel counties will be administered through Educational Service Unit #13.

On April 8, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) officially notified ESU #13 of its successful application for the $2.8 million program. The award includes Head Start and Early Head Start services to nearly 350 children annually in the counties.

“Head Start and Early Head Start programs have been important to children and families in the Panhandle for many years,” said Dr. Jeff West. “ESU #13 is pleased to be able to fill the important role of working with parents and schools in maintaining this resource.”

In September 2014, a funding opportunity announcement was posted by ACF. In early November, Head Start Partners, including the schools in Bayard, Minatare, Scottsbluff, Morrill and Mitchell and Volunteers of America along with the Panhandle Public Health District and Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska, unanimously agreed to request that ESU 13 apply for the grant. The group then worked quickly to hire a grant writer and submit an application by mid-November.

“We anticipate continuing an employment relationship with many of the current staff,” Dr. West stated. “These people have a long term commitment to Head Start, and important relationships with parents and children.

“The success of the ESU #13 application was clearly due to the collaborative efforts of so many in this region. The collaboration continues as Sarah Ochoa, former Head Start Director at CAPWN has agreed to consult with us as we transition this program.”

“I am pleased to be able to work with the ESU to help launch this new phase of Head Start,” said Ochoa. “To me the most important part is the impact we can all have on the lives of children and families. The partners in the Panhandle continue to demonstrate that same commitment.”