The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta has become the new provider for the Aiken-Barnwell Head Start program — both programs benefiting children ages 5 and younger in Aiken and Barnwell counties.
Head Start is a national, federally-funded program that offers educational and socialization skills for preschool kids of low-income parents at children's centers in both counties.
Following a competitive bid process, The Family Y will work with Head Start Director Shadie Hall.
"The Family Y will provide additional opportunities for children and families," Hall said. "They will have access to the Y and all the other services they provide," among them an array of health-related services and after-school initiatives.
The new collaboration will add two Head Start classes at the Freedman Parenting Center, an Aiken County School District facility.
The facility offers child care for parents seeking adult eduction diplomas or GED certificates.
Yet another agency, the state-funded Aiken County First Steps program, can provide additional services for parents.
Family Y has a center in Graniteville, as well as others in Richmond County and other Georgia counties.
The organization's new role means "we'll be able to assist and provide self-sufficiency for families as well as each individual child," said Mary Crowder, the senior vice president of child and youth services.
Family Y is receiving $3.6 million in federal and non-federal funds that will serve 476 children at seven Head Start centers in Aiken and Barnwell counties, according to a press release.
Hall said Head Start's staff of 90 people — including 26 teachers — will be retained.
Head Start has had a partnership with the Aiken County School District for many years.
The Freedman Center will house two Head Start classes, serving parents in the Valley area, as well as those in North Augusta. The center in that community will close.
With Head Start classes offered at Freedman, a parent may have the opportunity to have a baby or toddler transition to a Head Start class.
Anna Daughty's daughter, Ava, was born two months ago. Daughty soon will start classes at the Byrd Learning Center in Graniteville. She can study for a GED certificate, which can offer a gateway to Aiken Technical College and other post-secondary schools.
Her daughter "will be here (at Freedman), and it helps a whole lot," Daughty said. "I don't have to worry about a place for her to go while I get my schooling done."
The Family Y involvement will provide a huge change, and "that's a good thing," said Cherell Butler, the Freedman Center director. "We'll still serve our parents; and with Head Start classes here, we're hoping this will help their parents, too."
First Steps can support working parents, bridging the gap for those living just above the poverty level, by providing them scholarship vouchers for child care services.
The agency also offers readiness services for young children, including home visitations, said Director Marcia Nash.
In the press release, Family Y President/CEO Danny McConnell said, "We'll be able to prepare many more young children and their families for a bright future with the services that Head Start provides."
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter and has been with the newspaper since 2001.