The staff at Gilmer County Head Start recently saw hard work and dedication pay off, as the school received a three-star rating for participating in Bright from the Start, which is an initiative under the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Quality Rated program.

The three-star rating, which is the highest rating a facility can receive, was awarded based off the Learning Quality Rated system of evaluation. Learning Quality Rated is a program that enhances the quality of early care and education provided in child care programs. The staff at Gilmer County Head Start has attended special training, demonstrated knowledge of child development and best practices for children and completed observations and assessments of the program’s standards and practices.

Pictured is the staff of Gilmer County Head Start. The school recently received a three-star rating for participating in the Bright from the Start, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Quality Rated program. Front row (left to right): Ramona Cochran, Molly Conklin, Joanna Long, Paula Goggin. Middle row (left to right): Wendy Pierce, Linda Gignilliat, Kaytie Dilbeck, Mildred Pendergrass, Vickie Kelley. Back row (left to right): Lidia Landaverde, Shannon Ridings, Beth McArthur, Joe Wood. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)

Gilmer County Head Start has been preparing children for Kindergarten since 1965. Registration for the 2016-17 school year is now open. A birth certificate, proof of income from the last 12 months and the 3231 Immunization Form is required for registration.  The child must be three or four by Sept. 1. For more information, call (706) 635-4045.