Crucial time ahead for Whitehall Head Start

In early May, the Rocky Mountain Development Council (RMDC) held a meeting with parents concerned about the possibility that the Whitehall Head Start program may close. Parents and concerned citizens were informed that two issues needed to be resolved in order to ensure the program would continue for the 2017-2018 school year. The deadline given for resolving the two issues was June 5.

The first issue was finding a teacher for the program since long-time teacher Elaine Henningsen will be retired at the end of this school year. Fortunately, we are pleased to announce that a promising candidate was interviewed within the June 5 deadline.

The second issue needing completion is certifying that a full classroom of 3 and 4 year old children will be enrolled in the program. A full classroom of 14 children are required for the school year. Mrs. Henningsen has been in contact with parents that have committed to enrolling their children. RMDC Head Start officials recognize the importance of quality preschool services and do not want to see this program eliminated. They have kindly granted a time extension to July 10 to have the paperwork completed and provided for eligibility verification.

Elaine Henningsen and County Commissioner Bob Mullen will be contacting parents that have previously stated they are interested in enrolling their children in the Whitehall Head Start program and need to complete the required paperwork finished. Any other parents that are interested in obtaining a slot for their children are encouraged to call 287-2215 or 225-4026. Please leave a message if no one answers and your call will be returned and an appointment arranged.

Getting all eligibility forms and other paperwork completed by July 10 is critical to continuing the Whitehall Head Start program. The program will probably be eliminated forever if cancelled for the upcoming school year.