Coshocton Head Start marks resilient year

Head Start wrapped up the end of a year filled with both celebrations and challenges with a field day and literacy event May 13 at its hilltop site.

“This year has brought its share of challenges including a temporary shutdown, but we’re proud to say we’ve come back stronger,” said Amber Manbeck, enrollment/family and community partnership manager. “This event is a celebration of resilience — not just for our program, but for the entire Coshocton community. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community partners, who helped us navigate this difficult time.”

The shutdown was for two weeks in November due to government budget problems but could have been longer without community support.

“We wanted to celebrate big because everyone came back,” Manbeck said. “We were worried about enrollment, but the kids came back and so did the staff. That just shows the heart they have for what we do here at Head Start.”

The end-of-year celebration included a variety of games and hands-on activities, the opportunity to visit with first responders from the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office and Coshocton Fire Department, and snow cones and pizza. Community partners also shared information with families, and free books were passed out.

“The children had an incredible time enjoying the activities, and it was wonderful to see families actively engaged and making special memories together,” Manbeck said. “Events like these are only possible because of the dedication and support of community partners.”

Tara Hardesty, mental health manager at Head Start, said they especially like to get parents involved in activities.

“Parents are the first teachers,” she said. “We like to work with the children and them. It’s a back-and-forth relationship, and we become a school family.”

Phoenix Valentine and her grandmother Shirley Valentine were two of the hundreds of people who attended.

“This is such a good program,” Shirley Valentine said. “I’ve seen such a difference in her attitude and her learning ability, and she loves everybody up here.”

For more information on Coshocton County Head Start, visit www.coshoctoncountyheadstart.org.