April 14, 2025 — [NCWVCAA] As Head Start celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the program reflects not only on its rich history of empowering families and fostering early childhood education, but also on the individual success stories that embody its mission. Among them is a truly full-circle moment happening right here in North Central West Virginia.
This spring, Randolph/Tucker County NCWVCAA Early Head Start, welcomed a new Family Educator to their team—Charli Smith—who began her own educational journey through the very same program, via Edgemont Head Start in Marion County as a child. Now, decades later, she returns not only as a professional committed to supporting families but also as a colleague to her former Head Start teacher, Wendy Wells who is now a Behavior Support Specialist with the Program and Family Resource Coordinator, Mike Taylor.
“I have always wanted to work with children. When I was younger, I would tell everyone I was going to be a teacher one day! I am inspired to continue this work because seeing the joy in a child’s face when you interact with them is incredible. I also hope to make an impact on the families in the program much like my teachers did for me.” said Charli, reflecting on her opportunity to work with Head Start.
“I think a family should consider Head Start because it is an incredible program! I remember when I was a child in the program, my teachers had concerns because I did not really talk to anyone, and I did not know any nursery rhymes. They communicated those concerns with my parents, and through everyone’s support I really came out of my shell. Head Start is an amazing opportunity for both children and their parents. It really helped shape me into the person I am today!”
Head Start, launched in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, has grown into a national movement that has served more than thirty-seven million children and their families. Designed to promote school readiness and offer comprehensive support services, Head Start has consistently provided educational, nutritional, and health services to children from low-income families.
For Wendy and Mike, who taught and provided resources to Charli and her family all those years ago, seeing their former student return as a peer is a powerful testament to the program’s long-term impact. “Seeing successes and progress in the children and their families is quite inspiring. Being invited into someone else’s life is a major privilege. I absolutely love working with amazing people who are doing what they do to help improve the lives of others in many ways. Those AHA! moments are fabulous!” says Wendy.
The reunion has created a wave of excitement and pride among the staff, many of whom have worked at Head Start for decades and have seen generations of families benefit from the program.
“My favorite part of the program is watching the children and families grow and master new skills together.” said Mike Taylor Family Resource Coordinator for Edgemont Head Start, who worked with the family during Charli’s enrollment in the program. Mike has worked with NCWV Head Start for 25 years. He promotes the program noting, “Head Start provides each child and family with so many more opportunities than any other PreK program. The family will receive comprehensive services that include information on nutrition, health, education, mental health, and family services. We get to know the whole family and can assist them with any need they might encounter. We want and encourage them to be part of our program.” Remembering and working alongside Charli is quite the thrill for Mr. Mike.
As Head Start looks to the future, stories like this one inspire hope and reinforce the program’s commitment to breaking cycles of poverty, one family at a time.
“We celebrate 60 years of Head Start not just with data and milestones,” said Jennifer Brown, Family and Community Engagement Program Specialist, “but with real stories like Charli’s, which show the lasting difference we can make in a child’s life.”
And now, as Charli helps guide the next generation of Head Start students and families, she continues a legacy that started with her—and promises to grow far beyond.
NCWVCAA Head Start and Early Head start is now enrolling children in Marion, Taylor, Barbour, Tucker, Randolph, Webster, Preston, and Pocahontas Counties. Please contact our Central Office for more information on your county’s enrollment information at 304-363-2170 or visit us online www.ncwvcaacorp.net to apply.
