Programs merge at annex

The old Golson Annex and the adjacent Family Services Center were renamed to reflect their new common goal. The new name was added before the start of the school year in August.

The two became the Jackson County Early Childhood Center. It represents “the beginning of the education center in Jackson County,” said administrator Pat Hall. “It’s a fresh start with a more cohesive feel to what we offer.”

Children as young as six weeks old and through the age of four, along with a few late-birthday five-year-olds, are served by the center.

It shouldn’t be mistaken for anything but a learning center, Hall said.

“We’re not a baby-sitting service,” Hall said. “There’s a lot of high quality early academics and preparation, with 31 quality Jackson County personnel instructing. You’d be amazed at the learning that goes on there, even at the baby stage. It’s phenomenal. From the moment we get them, we’re preparing them to the point of kindergarten.”

According to a school board press release about the center, services are provided to approximately 180 students. The staff includes 19 teachers and 12 assistants, with additional support staff providing family support services.

Hall is shooting for school accreditation for the new entity, just as the other schools in Jackson County have already.

Mothers enrolled in the teen parenting program spend part of their day working with the children in the center. They spend the rest in a classroom behind the old Marianna High School agriculture building.

They go back to the center to pick up their kids at the end of the day. Previously, they took their classroom work in the old family services center, but that was moved when the merger took place.

“They’re getting their high school educations,” Hall said of the young mothers. “They need to focus on their own goals when they’re on that mission. Having them in a separate environment for that just works better.”

The center is now one independent school which can flow all its teacher training, programs and activities through a School Improvement Plan.

Jackie Fay Kelly, manager of Early Education for Jackson County Schools, also talked about the advantages to the merger in a news release.

“Now, we have more space with access to the gym at the old high school, use of the cafeteria, and a larger outdoor play area.” Kelly stated. “Also, we have new curriculum that helps prepare infants through pre-kindergarten aged children for school readiness. Inclusion is maximized with students from Early Headstart, pre-school Headstart, voluntary pre-kindergarten, and exceptional student education attending the Early Childhood Center. Now we have the voluntary pre-kindergarten programs included with our other pre-kindergarten programs where students can transition into kindergarten.”

The more flexible pace for younger children at a facility just for them has teachers and administrators excited about the changes, the press release stated.

“There are opportunities for a lot of parent contact,” said Kim Long, pre-kindergarten program manager for Jackson County Schools. “Parents are highly encouraged to participate with the Parent Center Group as they plan many activities for our students. Our teachers welcome volunteer parents.”

For more information, contact Jackie Fay Kelly at (850) 482-1266.