A Grandmother’s Journey: From Guardian to Staff Member

Ten years later, Joanne found herself in a similar situation with another grandson, Brayden. At age two, Brayden struggled with speech and was placed in a baby room at his daycare. Recognizing he needed more support, Joanne enrolled him at NCCHS when he turned three. From day one, NCCHS provided immediate assistance, engaging Child Find to assess Brayden’s needs. This led to critical interventions, including surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids and occupational therapy.

Brayden thrived at NCCHS and made remarkable progress in all areas of development. This fall, he successfully started kindergarten, armed with the tools and support NCCHS helped Joanne secure. “If it wasn’t for NCCHS, I wouldn’t have known how to get the help Brayden needed,” Joanne shared.

Joanne’s experience with NCCHS didn’t just impact her grandchildren—it transformed her own life. While Brayden was enrolled, Joanne furthered her education, earning certifications in planning, scheduling, and operations management from DelTech. She also served on the Policy Council for two years, gaining valuable insight into the NCCHS’s mission.

On August 14, 2024, Joanne joined NCCHS as a Family Advocate, inspired by the support she received from Grace, the advocate who helped her through her challenges. “Grace is like family to me, like a sister. She, along with the entire Head Start team, gave me inspiration to give back to others,” Joanne said. Now, Joanne works alongside Grace, providing the same care and guidance she once received.

Joanne credits NCCHS for changing her life. “What NCCHS did for my grandchildren and for me was so much. I never would have expected to have this career in a million years. To go to work and be happy every day—that’s everything. I am so happy to be there for the families, children, and guardians who need help—just like I did.”

2024 Head Start Happenings newsletter

We’re delighted to welcome you to the latest edition of the Head Start Happenings newsletter!

Full Circle Life by Eugenia Simmons, CDA Coach Facilitator

During her tenure in the early 1970s, my grandmother and a few other ladies in the neighborhood employed at Head Start were instrumental in recruiting any child between the ages of 3 and 5. After my grandmother resigned from the Rosehill Community Center as a Head Start teacher, she established her home daycare center. Many working mothers relied on and trusted my grandmother to care for their children because she had raised seven of her own.

I remember my grandmother explaining to my mother that a new early education program for children would provide them with nutritious free meals and help them find families’ needed resources, e.g., electric bills, Section 8 housing, food box pick-up locations, etc. Although I was sad to leave my grandmother’s house, I was happy my cousins Heather and Shawn and others from my neighborhood would join me in the program.

Soon, the big yellow school bus pulled up. I recall waving goodbye to the adults standing nearby and then quickly arriving at Rosehill Community Center. And boy, I had a fun time from day one. I’ll never forget my teacher, Mrs. Sodonia Parker. She was tall, pretty, and nice and always gave us the best hugs upon arriving and leaving. We played, ate, sang songs, and learned our ABCs and 123’s. Being able to attend the Head Start program was vital in my life. My mother later told me that she was amazed about how much I was learning and how well I was adjusting to coming out of my shy shell.

Fast forward many years, and the Head Start program became known as “New Castle County Head Start” (NCCHS). I have gone full circle, from enrolling at age four to working here today. I started as a teacher and center at the Claymont center, then transitioned to a center coordinator role at Rosehill Center. Later, I moved to the administrative office as an administrative assistant, and currently, I am a CDA coach facilitator, mentoring teacher assistants to earn an early childhood credential.

I’m still gratefully employed at NCCHS and have truly enjoyed my ten years! I wouldn’t trade any knowledge, skills, friends, and co-workers for anything in the world; we are like family! I am amazed at our fantastic NCCHS staff. So many of us are dedicated, humble, and caring. And when I say that I love working for this agency, I genuinely mean that I love working for this agency!

NCCHS Successfully Undergoes Two Federal Monitoring Reviews

All Head Start programs must undergo periodic federal reviews to ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Act. In February 2024, the Office of Head Start (OHS) conducted a Focus Area 2 monitoring review of NCCHS. This comprehensive evaluation assessed the program’s performance, progress, and adherence to federal requirements.

A team of three onsite reviewers spent a week analyzing several key areas of the NCCHS program, conducting interviews with staff, parents, and members of the program’s governing bodies, and completing a detailed examination of program data.

In March 2024, OHS conducted an evaluation of NCCHS using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). Through in-class observations, classroom quality was assessed and scored against established thresholds to ensure the highest standards. NCCHS not only met but exceeded all thresholds, demonstrating its dedication to excellence in early childhood education and the unwavering efforts of staff members to continually improve the program.

New Castle County Head Start, Inc. hosts picnic to recognize team members

New Castle County Head Start, Inc. (NCCHS) held its annual team picnic on May 15, 2024, to recognize team members and celebrate the end of another successful year of serving children and families in New Castle County, Delaware. Each year, NCCHS presents awards to individuals who have gone above and beyond in support of early childhood education.

New Castle County Head Start, Inc. centers host celebrations to end the school year

New Castle County Head Start, Inc. centers held end-of-the-year celebrations to mark the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The children and their families celebrate together with a variety of fun activities, including games, music, snacks, face painting, and lots more!

The pictures below are from the Lambson Center’s end-of-the-year celebration on May 10, 2024.

New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Honors Jeffrey E. Benatti and Dr. Carroll B. Shannon at Ceremony

Newark, Del. – New Castle County Head Start, Inc. (NCCHS) held a special ceremony at its Bear Center to honor the contributions of former Executive Director Jeffrey E. Benatti and former member of the Board of Directors Dr. Carroll B. Shannon. The celebration recognized Benatti’s 33 years of service and Shannon’s 35 years of dedication to NCCHS.

A range of distinguished guests, including New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, State of Delaware House Representative Kendra Johnson, and State of Delaware Senator Marie Pinkney, attended the event. NCCHS board members Judy Guttenplan, Donzell Harmon, J.D. Lee, Leslie Lee, Linda L. Marks, Shari Milewski, Elaine Reilly, Michael Staman, Todd Veale, and Holly Yoder were also in attendance, as were former board members, contractors, and current and former staff members.

During the ceremony, Executive Matt Meyer, Representative Johnson, and Senator Pinkney each presented Benatti with resolutions to recognize his outstanding service. There was a countdown to unveiling the new sign on the side of the Bear Center, officially naming it “The Jeffrey E. Benatti Center.”

To honor long-time agency volunteer Carroll Shannon, board member Todd Veale presented her with a plaque recognizing her 35 years of exceptional leadership and dedication to NCCHS. She was awarded the status of Board Member Emeritus, and the six staff wellness rooms were renamed “Carroll’s Place.” Shannon cut the ribbon to a newly named wellness room, marking the official opening.

Board member Michael Staman expressed his gratitude for the service of both honorees, “I’m humbled and honored to be part of this organization and offer the recognition to these two deserving individuals, Jeff Benatti and Carroll Shannon, who have tirelessly served this organization for multiple decades.”

“We’re all excited. This is a wonderful way to celebrate Jeff’s 33 years as our former executive director and Carroll’s 35 years as one of our board members here at New Castle County Head Start,” added Wendy Marsilii.

Left photo: Honorees former member of the Board of Directors Dr. Carroll B. Shannon and former Executive Director Jeffrey E. Benatti.

Right photo: Board members Donzell Harmon, Elaine Reilly, Holly Yoder, Judy Guttenplan, Michael Staman, honoree Carroll Shannon, J.D. Lee, Leslie Lee, Linda L. Marks, and former Executive Director Jeffrey Benatti in front.

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer (standing) recognizes Dr. Carroll B. Shannon (left) and Jeffrey E. Benatti for many years of service to New Castle County Head Start, Inc. 

Empowering Families and Communities: Dorcas Johnson’s Journey with Head Start

When Dorcas Johnson and her husband began the journey to find a daycare program for their two children, Dinah and Israel, they were overwhelmed by the cost of two. Dorcas continued to homeschool, but she worried about her kids missing out on social interaction with other children.  Fortunately, a colleague mentioned the Head Start program. It didn’t take long for the couple to find NCCHS.

Dinah and Israel started the NCCHS program virtually in 2020. Dorcas says the virtual learning experience was excellent, and her children quickly made friends with their classmates. She commented that Dinah was well-prepared for kindergarten and was ahead of her peers after one year at NCCHS. Israel continued in the program until 2023 when he transitioned to kindergarten.

Dorcas was quick to get involved from the beginning, wanting a better understanding of the program. She shares that the NCCHS has not only educated her children but has also taught her to be a better parent. Dorcas Johnson has been a member of the Policy Council since 2021, where she served on the finance committee. A critical issue at the time was the minimum wage increase in Delaware. She took her committee knowledge to her workplace and successfully secured a raise.

“The benefits and support of Head Start for children and families extend well beyond the classroom. Everyone learns and grows through the program,” comments Dorcas, a fervent advocate for NCCHS who spreads information about the program to her friends and colleagues.

Dorcas benefited from free parent training. She took her learnings from the Stand by Me financial literacy program and increased her credit score by over 200 points. Additionally, she has completed the TECE I & II program and is currently working on her Child Development Advocate (CDA) credential. Dorcas sees the value of early education and wants to start a program like Head Start in her home country of Ghana.

Discovering Family, Community, and Opportunity at NCCHS

Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Eboni Morales, a remarkable mother of three who has begun an incredible journey with New Castle County Head Start, Inc. (NCCHS). Eboni’s story is a testament to the power of early education, community engagement, and the unwavering support that can be found within the NCCHS family.

Angelica, Eboni’s youngest child, is one month into kindergarten and is doing great! Just one year ago Eboni was concerned that her daughter might be behind in her education due to the pandemic-related disruptions. However, thanks to the dedicated teachers and staff at NCCHS, Angelica quickly caught up and was kindergarten-ready within just one year.

Eboni soon discovered that NCCHS was more than just a school; it was a place that felt like family. The clean and well-maintained facilities provided a safe and nurturing environment for Angelica, while the staff went above and beyond to offer support outside of the classroom. Following the challenging times of the pandemic, the offer of additional support was welcome and helped to ease the family back to a normal routine. 

When a call for parent volunteers was made, Eboni quickly stepped forward to help out. She also joined the Policy Council in 2022, serving as chairperson, and is committed to staying engaged with the NCCHS community. 

So, what sets NCCHS apart from the rest? According to Eboni, it’s the strong parent involvement and participation. From family advocates to teaching staff, board members, and administrators, everyone works tirelessly to support families along their journeys. Strong communication is another hallmark. Administrators maintain transparency and engage the Policy Council to address areas of need. It’s this level of openness and accountability that allows parents like Eboni to feel confident in their choice of NCCHS.

Reflecting on her experience, Eboni expresses her only regret: not coming to NCCHS sooner. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the warmth, engagement, and opportunities that await those who choose NCCHS as their educational home. Eboni’s advice to parents: “Come visit us to see what we are all about.” 

New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Parent Represents Delaware with Distinction at Strolling Thunder

Samantha Clark, a New Castle County Head Start, Inc. (NCCHS) parent and staff member and a dedicated advocate for children and families, proudly served as the 2023 Strolling Thunder representative from Delaware during the event organized by Zero to Three in Washington, D.C. last June. 

Samantha and her family were selected from a pool of applicants to join forces with representatives from all 50 states and advocates from across the nation to champion the rights and support of families with young children. 

During the event in the nation’s capital, Samantha and her family had the unique opportunity to meet with state representatives and engage in meaningful discussions about the importance of providing essential support to families with young children. Advocacy efforts focused on a range of issues, including early childhood education, family support, paid leave, mental health, and other crucial aspects that ensure all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.

“Being a part of Strolling Thunder 2023 was an incredible opportunity to advocate for the well-being of children in Delaware and across the United States. My discussions with state representatives highlighted the importance of investing in Early Head Start. I am honored to have been a part of this vital conversation,” reflects NCCHS parent Samantha Clark.

About Samantha Clark:

After their difficult childhoods, Samantha and her husband, Drew, are committed to doing better for their children. Since enrolling in Early Head Start, Samantha has signed up for every opportunity, becoming involved in leadership and learning as much as possible about her children’s development and NCCHS. 

She has also developed a passion for early childhood education and is now employed as a family advocate at NCCHS. Samantha knows that early childhood education is crucial to a child’s brain development and wants every eligible child and family to have access to Early Head Start services.