Knox County Head Start has announced a community celebration scheduled for May 17 at The Lakes at Ariel-Foundation Park. This event marks the 60th anniversary of local Head Start services, and families, alumni, staff, and partners are invited to attend. The announcement was made in a press release on April 16, 2025.
According to Knox County Head Start (KCHS), the event is open to everyone at no cost and will feature various activities suitable for all ages. These include a bounce house, petting zoo, fishing, games, and fire truck tours. Lunch will be provided by The Exchange Club of Mount Vernon and Knox County, with hot dogs served alongside popcorn and sno-cones available throughout the day.
KCHS has listed several partners and sponsors for the event: the Knox County Foundation, Ariel-Foundation Park, United Way of Knox County, City of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival, Cliff’s High Performance, Culligan Quality Water of North Central Ohio, Mortellaro McDonald’s, and Jones Potato Chip Company.
"We are excited to honor six decades of service in Knox County," said Peg Tazewell, Executive Director of Knox County Head Start. Tazewell noted that KCHS began with a committee of residents working together at First Congregational Church in April 1965. The first program took place at Columbia School that summer. She emphasized that KCHS has partnered with families and the community to support children's health, nutrition, learning and school readiness while strengthening families.
Established in 1965 as Kokosing Day Care Centers, KCHS now serves over 500 children annually through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These programs are supported by state and federal funding as well as local partnerships and community donations. KCHS operates multiple centers in collaboration with schools and local organizations offering full-year child care while emphasizing parent involvement and school readiness. With nearly 100 employees—most holding degrees—KCHS also provides regular parent and relationship training programs which have earned national recognition.
