Head Start leader visits Washington
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. (ACAP) participated in the annual National Head Start Association Winter Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. last month. This institute provides an opportunity for Head Start Leaders across the country to come together to learn from experts in the field of early childhood education and parent advocacy.
“The institute offers attendees an opportunity to meet with officials from the Office of Head Start to discuss new initiatives, policy and future funding opportunities,” explained Sue Powers, senior manager of ACAP Family Services in Presque Isle and Head Start Leader.
“In addition, we participate in a congressional breakfast, where we have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress and influence future policy and funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs,” she said.
Powers added a highlight of the trip was the chance to meet with Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King.
“We were able to meet with Sen. King and his staffers to discuss issues impacting Head Start programs in Maine,” she said. “And with Sen. Collins, we shared the implications of new Head Start performance standards as well as employee recruitment and retention challenges. It is always an honor to talk with our senators about our Head Start programs in Maine.”
Each senator received artwork created by ACAP Early Care and Education Center students in Presque Isle and Houlton.
