The Bailey Buzz – What is the Head Start celebration on Saturday?

It’s a 60th birthday celebration for the Head Start program nationwide.

What started in 1965 as a program to fight poverty has grown into a national model for early learning, health and nutrition, and family support to more than 40 million children and families, according to the organization.

Last year, the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission took over Head Start facilities in Danville, Paxton, Gilman and Watseka.

Danville’s Head Start is located at 1001 E. Voorhees St., but it also has the building at 501 Kimball St., Danville’s original Head Start location.

Carissa Bouse, off-site program manager, said their 60th birthday event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 501 Kimball St. is a way for them to also celebrate integrating back into the community under RPC’s grant and have a community event as well for the Early Childhood Education Program.

There will be about 15 community resource agencies on site offering information, in addition to bounce houses and food including Kona Ice, and also a DJ.

“It’s something fun for the community and kids,” Bouse said.

Head Start, which offers services and early education for children six weeks old to 6 years old, is still on summer break. The children will return Sept. 2 to the Voorhees Street location.

The Kimball Street site is not open currently for services.

However, the building will be open for the Saturday event.

Bouse said this event could turn into an annual community celebration.