Let's Celebrate Fathers and Fatherly Roles in Children's Lives | |
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We can’t let June pass by without a well-deserved shout-out to the amazing fathers and male figures who make positive, lifelong influences in young children's lives.
Research from the National Head Start Association cites that children who grow up with an involved father, as well as an involved mother, develop stronger cognitive and physical skills, better problem-solving abilities, more confidence, curiosity, empathy and self-control, among many other benefits. As they grow, children with involved fathers are also more likely to stay in school, excel and go on to further education and training.
Fathers, thank you for your active involvement! You are deeply valued more than you know.
For those who volunteer with our Foster Grandparents or stay engaged with children throughout their development, you are cherished!
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Head Start Rounds Up a Great Year! | | | |
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You may not realize how many people it takes to make our Early Head Start and Head Start programs so successful. MBEOC employs more than 160 people who serve 783 students from birth to age five at no cost to families. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our custodial staff, food servers, bus and van drivers, teachers, aides and floaters, program directors, policy council participants, our board of directors and the many others involved in the day-to-day management of our four Head Start centers.
As the 2023-2024 school year drew to a close, educators kicked up their heels during Spirit Week celebrations in May and in celebration of Head Start’s 59th birthday.
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Help Our Teachers This Upcoming School Year | |
Macon-Bibb EOC is now hiring relief for teachers for our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. You can make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community while allowing teachers to take their lunch. Assist in the classroom for a few hours a day, just a few days a week. Earn competitive pay in a great work environment. Apply today because training begins in July! Bonus points if you’re a retired educator or aspiring education major. | |
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Maximize the Lazy Brainy Days of Summer
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Summer break is a time for children to relax a little, recuperate and make special memories with friends and family. While the days are less structured, it’s important to keep children involved in activities that inspire learning. This can be a challenge for parents with jobs and other responsibilities, so we’ve put together a few fairly simple ideas to help keep young minds active: | | |
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Lean into Libraries
Visit your local library to pick up summer reading materials. Libraries offer reading challenges with prizes for reaching goals, as well as fun summer programs, movies, and events. Check out the Middle Georgia Regional Library Event Calendar online.
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Get Near to Nature
Take leisurely strolls through your neighborhood, parks, nature trails and green spaces. Point out interesting things and encourage children to observe what’s around them. Several free phone apps can help identify different plants and wildlife. Take along a small box for your child to use in collecting samples of wildflowers, seeds, feathers and rocks.
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Looking and Cooking
Plan a special meal and shop together for ingredients so that your child learns about foods. Touch and feel varieties of fruits and vegetables. Involve your child in meal preparation, such as reading recipe instructions out loud and putting the ingredients together by stirring, mashing and spreading.
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Minding the Music
Make a note of the local arts and music festivals and bring your little one along to absorb the activities. Point out interesting arts and crafts, sit down to listen to an appropriate musical group and encourage your child to dance with the music to inspire listening and coordinated movement.
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Stir and Sift Sands
A kiddie pool filled with bags of play sand can prompt hours of creative activity with small cars, figures, buckets, sand molds and other toys. Sand feels good to small hands and the ability to manipulate damp sand into roads, hills and shapes inspires imagination.
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Head Start Parent Orientation | | |
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We Are Hiring!
We are always on the lookout for people who enjoy working with others who have a heart to serve and make a difference in our community. You can help by forwarding this newsletter or applying now to be part of something extraordinary!
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Did You Know?
Students who participate in Head Start are more likely to graduate high school and continue their education in college or by earning licenses or certifications than similar peers not enrolled in Head Start programs.
Source: National Head Start Association
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We Are Hiring! and be sure to share this link with families who could benefit from our amazing programs! | | |
Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc., is in the business of “Helping People, Changing Lives, and Building Families.” With help from our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, local businesses, locally elected officials, and supporters, we tackle the war on poverty. It is our mission to help improve the quality of life for all families and individuals in Macon-Bibb and Monroe counties. | |
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Buck Melton Center
150 Sessions Drive
Macon, GA 31201
(478) 751-2311
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Jimmie Samuel @ Agnes Barden Center
2521 Anderson Drive
Macon, GA 31206
(478) 471-1486
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Monroe County Center
525 Highway 83
Forsyth, GA 31029
(478) 994-5271
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Walter P. Jones Center
2350 Alandale Drive
Macon, GA 31211
(478) 738-3245
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An Equal Opportunity Employer | A Drug-Free Workplace | | | | |
