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Head Start is returning to Williamsburg for the upcoming school year, after about a three-year hiatus.
Jennifer Neely, executive director of Child Advocates of Blair County, said Head Start had been in Williamsburg for a long time until 2020, when it had to close.
"At the time, we faced staffing challenges and other factors that prevented us from operating," she said.
Erica Peterson, planning and development specialist at Child Advocates of Blair County, said the pandemic forced Head Start to reduce class sizes and then it relinquished its lease on the former location.
It won't need to worry about a lease anymore, as Child Advocates of Blair County purchased a former church building at 601 W. Third St., where Head Start will be housed.
"Being able to bring Head Start back to Williamsburg is great," Neely said.
Peterson said there is a need in the area for Head Start and she has seen enrollment increase.
Bus transportation will be provided, Neely said, noting "enrollment is always higher when transportation is provided."
The agency is also in charge of the Pre-K Counts program, which is also in Williamsburg.
Neely said programs that offer preschool, such as Head Start and Pre-K Counts, provide opportunities to make sure children are ready for kindergarten.
So far, there are 16 children enrolled for the upcoming school year, she said.
Head Start is a public-funded preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 and is free for those who meet income requirements.
The program must follow federal guidelines and what sets it apart from other pre-school programs is that Head Start provides services for both the child and his or her family -- with case workers who visit students' families to offer help, making sure they have the resources needed to thrive.
With Williamsburg being one of the most rural areas Head Start serves, it can provide services and resources that are normally difficult to access, Neely said.
"We are happy to provide high-quality education while also helping families in the community," Peterson said.
To celebrate the organization's new Head Start location, an open house will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:15 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served, and the Williamsburg Community Volunteer Fire Department will be on site for a "Touch a Truck" experience for the children.
The community is welcome to attend.
Blair County Head Start is currently enrolling for the upcoming program year with classes countywide beginning at the end of August.
For more information or to complete an application, visit cabc-bchs.org or call 814-946-5247.