"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Celebrate Early Childhood Education

"Children and educators from the Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit recently celebrated Head Start Day with a balloon launch near the tribal complex in Tahlequah. October is National Head Start Awareness Month."

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - In celebration of early childhood development, the Cherokee Nation recently hosted the 3rd Annual Head Start Day.

“We kicked off our festivities with a balloon launch,” said Norma Harvey, Public Education Coordinator for the tribe’s Early Childhood Unit. “The children and staff alike had a great time with the event.”

The mission of the Cherokee Nation’s Early Childhood Unit is to enable each child to develop to his or her fullest potential. The program was initiated to promote school readiness for preschoolers through education, nutrition and social services.

Currently, the Cherokee Nation operates 35 centers, providing services to 680 Head Start children. Also, the Cherokee Nation operates one Home-Based Early Head Start Program and 8 Early Head Start centers, providing services to 75 children. Program eligibility requirements include guidelines set by the Head Start Act, a child's birth certification, immunization record, social security number and CDIB card.

October is National Head Start Awareness Month and early childhood educators all across the United States are commemorating the event with activities that approach education in a fun way that enhances learning.

“The Early Childhood Unit prides itself in providing a safe and an educationally structured environment for students,” said Harvey. “The staff is provided with age appropriate materials to work with the children in a facility conducive to learning. Taking part in activities presents an opportunity for interaction between staff members and students which helps to develop stronger relationships.”

For more information on the Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit, call 918-453-5757.