Groundbreakings for two Bootheel Head Start Centers set for Oct. 30

SIKESTON — Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corp. or DAEOC, has announced groundbreakings later this month for the construction of two new Head Start facilities in Southeast Missouri.

The City of Steele and the County of New Madrid each applied through the Missouri Department of Economic Development for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding on behalf of Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) for the construction of a facility for DAEOC’s Head Start program in the City of Steele and in New Madrid County at Portageville.

In late 2022, $1,655,000 was awarded to each New Madrid County and the City of Steele for the construction of these facilities, designed and built to provide early learning services for up to 40 children at each location. In early October of this year, Sides Construction of Jackson was selected as the contractor for the construction of both of these identical 3,783 square foot buildings.

“These locations have long been identified as high priorities for the DAEOC Head Start program as both sites are currently leased facilities and each provide unique challenges in providing for the children we serve. The new facilities are designed to provide a safe space conducive to early childhood development for our children in these communities”said Joel Evans, president and CEO of DAEOC.

The ceremonial groundbreaking for the Steele project will begin at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 30 at 509 East Main St. in Steele

The ceremonial groundbreaking for the New Madrid County project will begin at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30 at 99 Skyview Road in Portageville.

DAEOC is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 Community Action Agency that facilitates over 50 programs designed to combat poverty in the 6 counties of the Missouri Bootheel. DAEOC operates one of the nation’s largest rural Head Start programs serving almost 1200 children. Head Start programs support children’s growth from birth to age 5 through services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes. Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 in eligible families. Head Start preschool services work with children ages 3 to 5 and their families. All Head Start programs continually work toward our mission for eligible children and families to receive high-quality services in safe and healthy settings that prepare children for school and life.