A Personal Head Start Story: Clarice Jones

Some of our favorite Head Start stories are the ones that start in Head Start, and end in Head Start. We meet so many individuals who attended Head Start as children, and are now on staff at a Head Start program. It can be a very powerful recruitment tool to be able to tell parents that, hey, you started in Head Start too.

Clarice Jones of Waynesboro, Georgia, is one such success story. Her life story is a testament to the value of a strong educational background (from the beginning!), a supportive family, and a lifelong love of learning.

Read her story below…

My name is Clarice Jones. As a Head Start Alumni, I have definitely climbed the ladder of success.  At the age of 4, I attended Burke County Head Start in Georgia.  I can confirm that experiencing positive emotional support during early years promotes success in child outcomes.  Throughout my school years I remained an above average learner.  In doing so, I was inspired by teachers and family to further my education after graduating from high school.

I have earned my Associate’s in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor’s Degree in Child & Family Development, Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Development & Psychology.  My Head Start journey has been amazing! Starting out as a Head Start participant, then an Intern, onto a Substitute,  then a few months afterwards a Teacher, years later an Education Coordinator, now a prospective  program Director.  Awesome, right?

If there was a word that describes my success it will be…“UNSTOPPABLE”!

My entire Head Start experience has lead me to a remarkable amount of respect for Head Start children, parents, leaders and it’s standards.  I am grateful for the people that provided opportunities for development and learning throughout my early years.  Much thanks to Mr. Gravely for giving me the opportunity to share My Head Start Story!

Tags: georgia