SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Child Development, Inc. Executive Director Jo Ann Williams was named National Head Start Association Administrator of the Year for 2007.

Williams has been with Head Start since its inception in 1965, first as a parent, then as Head Start director for ARVAC, Inc. In 1986, Child Development, Inc. became its own entity and Williams retained the title of Head Start director, while adding Executive Director duties.

"With a bachelor’s degree in home economics and a master’s degree in education, Williams’ education and experience combine to make her an incredibly effective leader and administrator," according to the National Head Start Association.

"She has shown great initiative in community development as well as community partnerships, especially in her work to provide economically efficient facilities for the program," NHSA continued.

Williams has assisted in obtaining quality facilities for CDI’s Head Start programs through partnerships with city and county leaders. Since 1988, 10 of the agency’s 25 preschool programs have received newly constructed buildings.

"The new buildings provide an appropriate place for children to learn," Williams said. "I believe that an up-to-date facility brings pride to those who attend the preschool and also to a community."

The new facilities are located in Russellville, Stuttgart, Dumas, Danville, Booneville, Clarksville, Coal Hill, Ozark, Gould and Perry. The majority of the buildings were constructed with grant, city, county and community funding, and are leased from the community at no cost to CDI.

NHSA continued that Williams has a "vision for growth and a heart for children in poverty. She ensures the quality of centers and strongly promotes the further education of her staff."

Williams, formerly of Danville, now resides in Fayetteville, but commutes to Russellville to work. She received the award at the NHSA Conference in San Antonio in mid-April.

CDI is a nonprofit agency whose goal is to provide strong, effective, outcome oriented programs for children and their families. It serves nearly 2,500 children in 13 counties in Arkansas in Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant & Seasonal Head Start, Arkansas Better Chance and Developmental Child Care.

The National Head Start Association is a private not-for-profit membership organization dedicated exclusively to meeting the needs of Head Start children and their families. It represents more than 1 million children, 200,000 staff and 2,700 Head Start programs in the United States. The Association provides support for the entire Head Start community by advocating for policies that strengthen services to Head Start children and their families; by providing extensive training and professional development to Head Start staff; and by developing and disseminating research, information, and resources that enrich Head Start program delivery.

For more information, contact: Lori Kamerling

479-968-6493

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