Appalachian Council

09/29/2026

📣 Attention families in Putnam County! 📣

🏫 Appalachian Council Head Start in Putnam still has some slots open for enrollment! Act fast because spots will fill quickly! 📚

📝 If you would like more information or apply, you can meet us at Walgreens in Hurricane (3000 Teays Valley Rd) on October 7th at 9am to learn more! 📝

09/23/2026

📣📣📣 Calling on our parents and caregivers: Sign the Parent Letter to protect Head Start standards that benefit children and families!

The federal government has proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the rules that guide every Head Start program. Some of these changes could weaken the services families count on, such as health screenings, class sizes, support for children with disabilities, and a real voice for parents.

Head Start parents, in collaboration with NHSA, wrote a letter asking the government to protect the Head Start standards that work. Add your name to sign the letter by following the link below and stand with parents across the country by September 30, 2026.

Sign the Parent Letter by September 30 to protect Head Start standards that benefit children and families. Join parents across the country.

09/08/2026

🎒✨Secure Your Child’s Spot for Head Start Enrollment!✨🎒

We still have some slots open — but they’re filling fast!

📣 If you have a child ages 3–5, don’t miss this opportunity to give them a strong start in a safe, nurturing, and learning-rich environment.

⏰ Time is running out! Enroll now and set your child up for success this school year!

https://www.appcouncil.org/programs/head-start/enrollment-application.html

Let us be part of your child’s journey — because every child deserves a head start! ❤

09/08/2026

Calling all Head Start parents and caregivers! 📣📣

The National Head Start Association is providing an update on the Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) TODAY, 9/8, at 7PM.

This webinar will share the latest information about the proposed changes and how they could impact your family! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦You’ll also learn what concrete actions you can take right now to support Head Start. 🏫📚

We urge you to stay informed, connect with other parents, and make your voice heard! ❤

Head Start parents and caregivers: Join us for an update on the Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).

In this webinar on September 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET, we will share the latest information about the proposed changes and how they could impact your family, featuring a parent panel and live Q&A. You’ll also learn what concrete actions you can take right now to support Head Start.

Stay informed, connect with other parents, and make your voice heard.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IEtf9QsnQV6xGQr2fssmpw?_x_zm_rtaid=TG2jDRV8Siu5A0edEMBQxw.1788296125680.ebab1d2051b6c3c972d8ffedf2124830&_x_zm_rhtaid=459 #/registration

08/28/2026

Our Ravenswood Site in Jackson Co. made the Frog Street site! So cool! Our team is so excited to welcome our families and children back this year! 📚🐸🏫❤️

08/27/2026

🎉A New Chapter for Head Start in Cedar Grove, Wood Co!🎉

Last week we proudly celebrated the opening of our brand-new Head Start Center in Cedar Grove—a beautiful new space created through the consolidation of several of our centers into one larger, welcoming home for children and families.

This new center represents so much more than a building. It represents opportunity, community, and a commitment to our children and families.

As our CEO, Emily Spradling, shared during her opening, we help children build confidence, discover who they are, and develop a love of learning. We help families recognize their own strengths. Together, we are helping shape the future of our community. ❤️

We are incredibly grateful to Andy Daniel of 3D Construction LLC for investing in our organization, our program, and our community and for helping make this new center possible. We also want to recognize our dedicated management team and all of the staff who worked tirelessly to prepare this new space for the children who will fill it with laughter, learning, and joy. A special thanks as well to our board members and community partners who always show up to give their support!

Most importantly, we are grateful for the children and families at the center of everything we do. As we begin this new school year, we do so with gratitude, renewed energy, and purpose.

Here’s to a wonderful new beginning in Cedar Grove! 🏫❤️

08/23/2026

Head Start is about more than early learning! Its comprehensive approach has helped connect children and families with health, dental, vision, nutrition, and mental health services that can help children arrive in the classroom ready to learn.

The Head Start Program Performance Standards provide specific requirements for this work, from developmental, behavioral, vision, and hearing screenings to helping families access healthcare and insurance.

As the federal government considers proposed changes to these standards, one of NHSA’s latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issue briefs takes a closer look at Head Start’s comprehensive health services, what the research tells us, and what could be at stake for children and families.

Please read the issue brief from NHSA to learn more.

Head Start is about more than early learning. For generations, its comprehensive approach has helped connect children and families with health, dental, vision, nutrition, and mental health services that can help children arrive in the classroom ready to learn.

The Head Start Program Performance Standards provide specific requirements for this work, from developmental, behavioral, vision, and hearing screenings to helping families access healthcare and insurance.

As the federal government considers proposed changes to these standards, one of NHSA’s latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issue briefs takes a closer look at Head Start’s comprehensive health services, what the research tells us, and what could be at stake for children and families.

Read the issue brief: https://nhsa.box.com/s/glgkpoi754s2jt3o2ja0c7308ypdmc07

08/22/2026

The proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards could have important implications for how programs support children with disabilities and developmental delays.

Head Start’s current standards help ensure children receive timely developmental screenings, referrals, and early intervention, while giving programs clear requirements for individualized services.

Read the issue brief from NHSA to learn more about the proposed changes and what they could mean for Head Start.

The proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards could have important implications for how programs support children with disabilities and developmental delays.

Head Start’s current standards help ensure children receive timely developmental screenings, referrals, and early intervention, while giving programs clear requirements for individualized services and inclusive learning environments.

NHSA’s latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issue brief breaks down what’s at stake for children with disabilities, what the research tells us about early intervention, and why these standards matter for children and families.

Read the issue brief to learn more about the proposed changes and what they could mean for Head Start: https://nhsa.box.com/s/6xkc1sh7hxq4jo7qkeenftsztm4fb7eo

08/19/2026

What a fun and creative way to celebrate the wonderful personalities that make our Head Start team so special! ❤️ These superlatives brought plenty of smiles, laughter, and a little friendly fun to Pre-Service. We’re grateful for a team that knows how to work hard, support one another, and enjoy a few laughs along the way! 😊👏