Bennington County’s Head Start program, a vital initiative under United Counseling Services (UCS), is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Originally launched in 1965 as an eight-week summer program by the Office of Economic Opportunity during President Lyndon Johnson’s administration, the program has evolved into a comprehensive educational and support system for children and families in the region.
Growth and Services Over Six Decades
Today, Bennington County Head Start is the second-largest division of UCS, serving up to 192 children between the ages of six weeks and five years across multiple locations in the county. The program primarily operates from the newly constructed Spring Center addition on Gage Street, which is a testament to its growth and commitment to early childhood education.
To commemorate this significant milestone, the program has installed a series of photographs along the walls between preschool classrooms and kitchens, showcasing the stories of families and children whose lives have been positively impacted by Head Start. According to Rebecca Bishop Ware, the director of early childhood services at Bennington County Head Start, the program distinguishes itself from traditional preschool education with its holistic approach that includes parental support.
The initiative also incorporates a health component, providing developmental and medical screenings for preschoolers, along with necessary follow-up support. This extensive involvement with families amplifies the program’s overall impact. For instance, families such as Joselyn, Otis, and Hunter received essential household items like a washer and dryer alongside clothing donations, while Amanda and Devin benefited as their twins attended the program for three years.
Challenges and Advocacy in the Current Climate
Despite the celebration, the program faces uncertainty due to funding challenges experienced at the national level. The previous administration made significant cuts, including shuttering federal Head Start offices and laying off more than half of the federal staff. Recently, a federal judge temporarily halted efforts to remove language related to diversity, equity, and inclusion from grant applications.
Bishop Ware noted that the most intense period for Bennington County Head Start occurred during the early months of the previous administration. “The fear among our staff and families was palpable—questions like ‘Will I not have a place for my child to attend with no notice?’ or ‘Will I not have a job with no notice?’ were common,” she recalled. To maintain communication, Bishop Ware regularly updated families, board members, and community partners about the program’s status.
Thanks to UCS’s funding reserves, Bennington County Head Start managed to sustain its operations until federal funding was restored, receiving a new grant on January 1, 2023. Additionally, Bishop Ware advocated for the program in Washington, D.C., meeting with key legislators including Senators Peter Welch and Bernie Sanders, who have shown strong support for Vermont’s Head Start initiatives.
Looking ahead, Bishop Ware has ambitious plans for the program. The five-year grant goals include enhancing competitive pay for teachers and addressing social determinants of health for staff, families, and children. Following the unexpected passing of community member Michael Brady in August, there is a growing need for dental care among students, prompting the program to seek new partnerships.
In a move to improve accessibility, Bennington County Head Start recently announced expanded operational hours. The Spring Center and North Bennington locations will now operate from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while the Pownal location and Bennington Infant and Toddler Center will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Limited spots are available for families of all income levels interested in applying.
As it celebrates 60 years, Bennington County Head Start remains committed to innovating and expanding its services, ensuring that children and families in the community receive the support they need to thrive.
