Broken AC delays opening of Baby Bear Head Start

Baby Bear Head Start delayed first day of school today because of a malfunctioning air conditioning system.
Site manager Damita Hawkins, teachers and staff members were preparing for the arrival of 3- through 5-year-olds Thursday and Friday for the first day of school.
The hallway wall displays a phrase “We’re Good Character Kids” with descriptive words such as fair, trustworthy, caring, respectful, responsible and good citizens.
Teachers have completed their licensure and training requirements for the upcoming school year. First aid training and certifications in pediatric CPR and automated external defibrillators are mandatory for employment at Head Start centers.
Baby Bear is a multi-classroom facility with a “capacity to serve 45 students,” Hawkins said.
Two years is the average length time a student stays in a Head Start program. However, if a student turns 5 after the cut-off date to enter kindergarten in public school, the child will complete a third year preparing for kindergarten.
“Attendance is strongly encouraged,” Hawkins said.
The staff realizes unforeseen situations occur that cause children to be absent. In an effort to prevent chronic attendance problems, “teachers call home after two consecutive days.”
Unexpected circumstances might have delayed the opening of school, but Baby Bear’s teachers are ready to engage new and returning students in the learning process, giving them a head start for academic success.
The new projected first day of school at Baby Bear Head Start will be Wednesday, Hawkins said.

This story was written by Shea Drake of The Daily Review staff. Reach her at sdrake@daily-review.com.