Back in the Spring of 2022, a ribbon cutting was held at the Danville Head Start at 1001 East Voorhees, as CDI out of Colorado had taken over the grant Com Action had lost; trying to keep care going for Danville’s most vulnerable Pre-K children; such as low income, those with disabilities, and those in foster care.
But that partnership did not go well. There were allegations of mismanagement and very poor communication; along with some accusations that the Danville director at the time said were not true.
So now, it’s a new beginning once again. The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is taking over Head Start facilities in Danville; along with in Paxton, Gilman, and Watseka. And not only do their Danville plans include the old Social Security building on Voorhees, but also Danville’s original Head Start location at 501 Kimble Street.
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission Early Childhood Division Director Brandi Granse says the commission already has connections to programs in Vermilion, Ford, and Iroquois Counties; and they’ve been overseeing Champaign County’s Head Start for 30 years. So this seemed like a logical move.
AUDIO: And we just thought, hey, we have a quality program in Head Start. We could bring the same type of services to these three counties; and bring, or revive the Head Start and Early Head Start services to the children and families there.
The targeted takeover date in Danville is November 1st, although there may be some additional renovation work needed before the Kimble Street location is up and running again. Granse says that at the Voorhees location alone, they’re planning for 75 pre-school age children and 16 infants and toddlers. There are also long term plans involving family childcare provider partners offering in home Head Start services, partnering with a local program for additional infant and toddler services, and offering much needed services for pregnant women.
Granse says the commission is currently building up their Danville and Vermilion County staff.
AUDIO: And right now we’re really focused on those employees who are currently working in the centers at this time. And then we will push in out to countywide.
For more information on programs and employment opportunities go to the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission website at ccrpc.org.
A special introductory program wide event is set for Saturday, October 26th, 10 AM to 3 PM in the Laura Lee Fellowship Hall, at 212 East Williams in Danville.
