Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, Inc. joins communities throughout the state in recognizing October as Head Start Awareness Month, following an official proclamation by Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp honoring the program's longstanding commitment to children and families.

For more than six decades, Head Start has helped children from families with low incomes build the skills needed for success in school and beyond. The program combines early childhood education with health, nutrition, and family support services, recognizing that a child's development is closely connected to the well-being of the entire family.

In his proclamation, Governor Kemp recognized the dedicated educators, staff and community leaders who help Georgia's most vulnerable children and families through the delivery of essential services.

“Head Start plays an important role in the lives of children and families throughout our communities,” said Tres Hamilton, CEO of Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, Inc. “Early childhood education gives children a strong foundation, but the program's impact reaches beyond the classroom. By working with parents and connecting families to valuable resources, we are helping create opportunities that can make a difference for years to come.”

According to the Governor's proclamation, Head Start programs in Georgia provide access to early childhood services for 15,632 eligible children ages 3-5 and 4,557 children under age 3. These programs also prioritize children experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and children with disabilities.

For Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, Head Start Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the educators, staff, and families who contribute to the program's success and to encourage greater awareness of the resources available to eligible families.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to begin school ready to learn,” Hamilton added. “We are proud to be part of the work that helps make that possible in Coastal Georgia.”