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As the Fall 2017 school year kicked off, 18 new children gained access to public pre-school at Johnston Elementary School, thanks to a $180,000 Head Start classroom investment initiated by Buncombe County Commissioners.
“We know that Pre-K works really effectively to help kids have a strong start as they enter school, leading to strong outcomes over the course of their whole lives. In terms of their health, their ability to be part of the workforce, it’s an incredibly effective strategy for addressing how we help kids move, especially out of poverty, into healthy productive lives,” said Commissioner Beach-Ferrara.
In a collaboration with Community Action Opportunities and the Housing Authority this new classroom serves 18 children who meet Head Start requirements, giving families with the highest need access to high quality early childhood education.
“Our goal is to get families engaged as early as possible in their child’s education, by providing them with the resources they need to succeed,” said Brian Repass, Head Start Director at Community Action Opportunities. Their organization provides the teachers and operates the classroom.
“Giving these children a head start gives them a positive foundation for starting off in the right direction, said Angie Searcy, classroom teacher.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Johnston Elementary School, piloting this new pre-k school as we continue to look at ways to expand access to Pre-K across Buncombe County,” said Beach-Ferrara.