Head Start Established
In 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s antipoverty program, preparing disadvantaged children for school.
MCCC’s history is long and storied. Beginning with the establishment of the Head Start program in the 60’s, we have been providing services to our local communities for decades.
In 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s antipoverty program, preparing disadvantaged children for school.
Mid-Columbia Children’s Council (MCCC) started providing Head Start services as Mid-Columbia Head Start in White Salmon, WA.
MCCC Incorporated & separated from Oregon Child Development Coalition, becoming it's own agency. Served 97 children in Hood River (OR), Pine Grove (OR), Parkdale (OR), The Dalles (OR) & White Salmon (WA).
MCCC program expansion added Oregon Pre-Kindergarten (OPK) in '91 & Washington Department of Early Learning (ECEAP) in '95. Grew to serve 500 children, in 14 centers, 5 counties & 2 states.
MCCC awarded funding through the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act (ARRA) to expand Early Head Start services to serve an additional 54 pregnant women & children ages 0-3.
MCCC awarded additional EHS slots in Madras.
MCCC awarded a HS duration extended hours expansion grant for Parkdale (OR) & Madras (OR). Also earned an expansion grant through the WA ECEAP program, increasing enrollment from 18 to 30 children in Goldendale.
MCCC awarded a duration extended hour expansion grant for Tygh Valley, Petersburg, Country Club & Mid Valley Elementary. Also earned an expansion grant through WA ECEAP program adding 18 new slots to Carson site.
Expanded community services through an agreement with Columbia Gorge Health Council to implement Bridges to Health Pathways.
Signed agreement with Hood River County Schools to operate new private preschool classroom at May Street Elementary adding 17 new slots.
MCCC awarded extended school year duration grant for MCCC’s 5 Oregon Prekindergarten (OPK) classrooms located in Hood River and The Dalles. Awarded expansion grant for new Oregon Prekindergarten Prenatal to Three classrooms adding 16 new slots in Hood River. Awarded new Preschool Promise grant adding 36 new slots in Hood River.
“I believe that this is one of the most constructive, and one of the most sensible, and also one of the most exciting programs that this nation has ever undertaken.”
During World War II, the US implemented a large, well-funded childcare system in order to help mothers join the workforce. The system supported families of all incomes—with two-thirds of the cost covered by the government and the balance paid by parents. These programs were incredibly popular. Research shows that in addition to helping families during the war, adults who participated in the system as children were employed at greater rates, earned more money, and were less liable to require cash assistance then their peers who did not participate. Children from low-income families realized these positive effects and in some cases achieved a greater level of success, than their more affluent peers.
In January of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared The War on Poverty in his State of the Union speech. Shortly thereafter, Sargent Shriver brought together experts to develop a child development program to help communities meet the needs of disadvantaged preschool children. Since it’s creation in 1965, Head Start has provided child development services for 32 million children. These services cultivate the growth of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development ensuring they are ready for kindergarten.
