SALISBURY – Head Start employees from five counties went through staff development Aug. 22-25 at the Livingstone College School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts on Jake Alexander Boulevard.

The Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency held the multiday training to prepare its Head Start and Early Head Start teachers and support staff for the upcoming school year, which begins Friday.

The agency provides Head Start and Early Head Start education programs through 21 early learning centers in Davidson, Rowan, Stanly, Montgomery and Moore counties.

On Aug. 22, speakers E. Carolice Graham and Tonyan Schoefield shared messages about long-term professional and personal growth.

“We have to be compassionate leaders and staff to do an effective job for our children & families,” Schoefield said.

The training was designed by Head Start Director Tabitha McAllister.  Instructors included Christina Gray of Families First; Earlene Reynolds, a consultant; and Kim Ledbetter, Guilford Child Development.

Staff instructors included Norma Prater, Stephanie Durham, Brenda Davis, Melanie Cook, Betty Trujillo, Jacqueline Click, Joyce Ray and Beverly Bauer.

The Head Start program educates teachers and staff regularly, including providing opportunities for program teachers to earn certifications further their education. It also provides seminars on best practices to make sure  teachers and staff are the most effective in the classroom and continue to promote values of the national Head Start program.

The Head Start/Early Head Start program is now accepting enrollment for students, ages birth to 5 years, including children with disabilities and expectant mothers.

For more information, visit the SRCAA website at www.srcaa.com or contact the main office at 704-633-6633.