History
In the 1960s, a small project called Head Start was born during the administration of President Lyndon Johnson, as part of his “war on poverty.” The program moved forward as part of a national effort initiated to give low-income children an educational boost in the summer months prior to their entrance in the public school system. About that same time, a local community action agency, Tri-County Community Council (TCCC), was beginning to spread its wings in a effort to provide a wide variety of services to those in need. Becoming a Head Start program administrator was a natural transition for TCCC, which has a founding history in program operations and innovation. Today, TCCC’s Head Start program has expanded, continues to grow, and continually reaches new levels of excellence in its operations and services to benefit children in the three counties it serves.From one tiny center in Chipley with a small enrollment Tri-County has expanded to five Head Start centers in Washington, Holmes and Walton counties which now serve hundreds of children annually with an impressive curriculum centered on educational advancement, physical and mental enrichment, socialization, and a whole-family approach. The program has also expanded from the summer months only mode to operations which coincide with the regular school year.
Mission Statement
Investing in Children Today for a Better Tomorrow.
Vision Statement
Partnering with families and communities to reach our full potential.
Philosophy
You cannot make a positive difference in the lives of children without partnering with the whole family and the communities in which they live. We support parents as the primary educators of their children and encourage their involvement at all levels of Head Start through volunteering in the classroom, participating on committees and advisory groups, and aiding in policy making through the Policy Council. We promote developmentally appropriate practices, family literacy, ensure safety in a stimulating environment, protect children’s health and nutrition through sound practices linking up with health providers, and teach all eight domains of early learning to ensure success in school.