[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E734-E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF LUZERNE COUNTY HEAD START, INC. FOR DEDICATED AND 
                   SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2013

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luzerne County 
Head Start, Inc. for recently celebrating its 48th Anniversary on 
Monday, May 20, 2013. For nearly half a century, the program has been 
serving Luzerne County and Wyoming County by providing quality 
prekindergarten education to children who come from low-income 
families. Head Start teachers work with children, and

[[Page E735]]

their families, to help them set the foundations for success in school 
and in later life.
  Head Start is unique in its comprehensive approach to the needs of 
children and families. Currently Luzerne County Head Start provides 
1,037 children with early learning education. In addition to creating 
an environment for early academic development, Head Start also provides 
an environment for healthy early physical development. Children that 
attend Head Start receive health checkups, oral screenings and 
nutritious meals. The Head Start faculty also teaches their students 
about comprehensive health and nutrition, giving them the knowledge 
they will need to make the right choices about the food they eat.
  Head Start also focuses on the whole family unit, not just the child. 
One primary goal of the program is to move preschool children and their 
families toward self-sufficiency. Parents are assisted with a wide 
range of family needs including housing and employment, as well as 
adult education. Head Start offers assistance to parents interested in 
obtaining a high school General Equivalency Diploma or other adult 
education and employment opportunities.
  Head Start works with children at a critical learning age. The 
children begin to socialize with others, solve problems, and have other 
experiences that help them to become self-confident. I commend the 
Luzerne County Head Start program for their continuing service to the 
community. I thank them for being a valuable educational asset to the 
community these past 48 years, and I wish them all the best in the 
future.

                          ____________________