November 3, 2025
Last month, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. The month is celebrated annually across the country as a way to honor the legacy and continued impact of Head Start in improving the lives of children, families, and communities.
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) recently visited a Head Start of Lane County preschool classroom located at Lane Community College. The visit offered a firsthand look at how Head Start programs are building strong foundations for Oregon’s youngest learners by helping children grow, families thrive, and communities strengthen.
As part of this celebration, DELC partnered with Head Start of Lane County to create a short video featuring Charleen Strauch, Executive Director, and Heather Edge, Board Chair.
Through their heartfelt reflections, they share the profound impact of Head Start. How for more than 60 years, it has served as a cornerstone of opportunity and belonging for families across Oregon.
Watch the video: Head Start: Building Strong Foundations for Children, Families, and Communities
Learn More
To learn more about Head Start programs or find one near you, visit the Head Start Center Locator.