~~~~ History ~~~~
In 1965, the Cullman City School Board applied for funding for a summer Head Start program. It was a six-week summer program held at West Elementary School. The Child Development Center was granted funding as an expansion into a full-year program in January 1966. The program began with 160 children in ten classes and was housed in St. John's United Church. In November of 1973, the Child Development Center was relocated to the Cullman College Campus. The program extended in 1975 to provide services to children with special needs. In 1976, the program was moved to the campus of West Elementary School. Currently, the program has eight classrooms serving 144 children on the campus of Cullman City Primary School, which also houses the kindergarten and first grade classes for Cullman City Schools.
Mission Statement
The mission of Cullman City Head Start program is to offer eligible children and families of this community the quality guidance and services they need to reach their highest potential of social competence that allows them to be successful in school and in life.
Beliefs
Cullman City Head Start believes the following:
- That a family empowered is a community empowered.
- That cultural diversity enriches all our lives.
- That families and children are at different levels of social, cognitive, mental and physical growth.
- That Head Start is a support for children and families who are vulnerable.
- That early success translates into lifelong positive attitudes.
- That the empowerment of the family includes all community agencies.
- That all families deserve access to basic health services.
- That the daily nutritional needs of children are a basic necessity for optimum physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
- That children with disabilities should receive services that are specific and distinct to their particular needs.
- That every child has a right to a safe, secure learning environment.
- That parents are the primary educators of their children.
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G.Vandiver (January 20, 2003)