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Save the Children Head Start to Expand Head Start and Early Head Start Services into Rapides Parish, LA

Rapides Parish, LA (July 22, 2025) – Save the Children Head Start, which has operated Head Start and Early Head Start programs since 2011 in rural communities across America, has further expanded operations into Rapides Parish, Louisiana. The nonprofit will be providing Head Start and Early Head Start programming options to 504 children and their families.

“Save the Children Head Start is proud and honored to provide high-quality early childhood education and family support services to children and families across Rapides Parish. We are excited to ensure the youngest members of this community get the early learning opportunities they need to be successful in school and life,” said Kay Gordon, Save the Children Head Start’s Deputy Executive Director.

The program will support 504 children in Rapides Parish, including 360 children ages 3 to 5 in Head Start, and 144 infants and toddlers in Early Head Start. Services will continue with enrollment commitments to returning children and children with disabilities, children in foster care and families experiencing homelessness.

“Early Head Start and Head Start make a tremendous difference in the lives of children and families who are in greatest need – we see it every day,” said Arvelis Byrd, Save the Children Head Start’s Executive Director. “Save the Children Head Start is grateful for the opportunity to ensure that there is continuity of high-quality services for children and families. We encourage parents to apply to enroll their young children in these impactful early learning programs.”

Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs that offer comprehensive services to families living in poverty with children ages birth to 5, including early education, health supports and family engagement. Currently, Save the Children Head Start operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs in rural communities in six states – Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Indiana – serving more than 2,200 children and their families.  

Parents interested in enrolling their children in Save the Children Head Start’s Head Start or Early Head Start programs can contact the agency by calling
337-305-0669 or emailing: [email protected].

Individuals interested in applying for a position with Save the Children Head Start may apply online at www.savethechildren.org/us/about-us/careers.

For more about Save the Children Head Start's Head Start and Early Head Start programs, visit www.SavetheChildren.org/HeadStart.

 

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