Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst visited CORS Head Start at 1502 N. Main Ave. last week to proclaim April 10 as Head Start Day and April 6-12 as the Week of the Young Child in Sidney.
Barhorst highlighted the importance of quality early care and education in his proclamation, emphasizing its role in shaping young children’s development during their formative years. He also pointed out that working families need access to affordable, high-quality child care.
“I was still in high school when Head Start was first created,” Barhorst said. “It has a proven record of helping preschool children from low-income families succeed in school. Studies show that early literacy skills are key to success both in school and later in life.”
During his visit, Barhorst was given a tour of the facilities by Beth Winegardner, Early Childhood Services Coordinator at the Council on Rural Services. The mayor had the chance to meet teachers, aides, and students from various classrooms, including Iddie Biddie Bloomers, Little Sprouts, Little Wonders, and Crossroads.
The students were celebrating the Week of the Young Child with activities focused on different themes each day, including Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday. On Artsy Thursday, Barhorst watched the children work on various art projects. One student even gifted him a special project featuring trees made of green clay and a large yellow banana.
Head Start is a federally funded program that supports children ages 3-5 in preparing for school. It provides early education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to help children build the skills needed for success in school and beyond.
