Head Start | PEACE, Inc.

A Hungry Caterpillar Adventure at Head Start

by Angel Belford | Apr 7, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start recently hosted a fun-filled evening for their annual Same Book Event, bringing families together to celebrate a shared love of reading. This year’s theme, The Hungry Caterpillar, inspired a variety of hands-on activities and creative crafts that engaged children and encouraged learning through play.

Families enjoyed a welcoming environment where they could read, create, and connect with one another. The event provided meaningful opportunities for children to explore literacy in a fun and interactive way while strengthening the connection between home and school.

The evening also included a special visit from Congressman John W. Mannion, who greeted staff, children, and parents and took time to explore the activities. He also spoke with students from Liverpool High School, adding to the excitement and making the event even more memorable for everyone involved.

Events like the Same Book Event highlight the importance of early literacy and family engagement in a child’s development. By bringing families, educators, and community members together, PEACE, Inc. continues to create meaningful experiences that support learning, strengthen connections, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

To learn more about the Head Start Program visit: peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Blooming with Creativity in Roxboro

by Angel Belford | Mar 16, 2026 | News and Information

Roxboro Head Start, Room 106 has been bringing learning to life by exploring the world of plants through a creative dramatic play flower shop and engaging classroom activities. Students used their imaginations as they stepped into different roles, practicing skills like working the register, taking orders, building bouquets, and gardening.

Through these hands-on experiences, children developed important social and communication skills while learning about plants and how they grow. The use of props and role-playing encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity in a fun and meaningful way.

Activities like this highlight how play-based learning helps children grow academically and socially, making the classroom a place where learning is both exciting and memorable.

To learn more about the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Healthy Food Exploration at Head Start

by Angel Belford | Mar 12, 2026 | News and Information

Head Start students at Sumner and Genesee are building healthy habits through hands-on learning experiences that engage their curiosity and senses. In Sumner Head Start, Room 107, children explored raw collard greens using their five senses. They observed the color and texture, felt the leaves, smelled them, and even listened to the sounds they made. Later, during lunch, students compared their findings with cooked collard greens and recorded their observations on a class graph, turning the experience into both a science and nutrition lesson. A playful moment during centers even included a zebra puppet joining in to “taste” the greens, adding creativity and fun to the activity.

At Genesee Head Start, Room 4, students have been actively participating in the Eat Well Play Hard program, where they are learning about healthy foods through interactive lessons. As part of the program, children had the opportunity to try a variety of salad ingredients, including snap peas, and discuss which foods they liked and which they did not. These taste-testing experiences encourage children to try new foods while building awareness of healthy choices.

Together, these activities highlight how Head Start classrooms create meaningful learning opportunities that connect nutrition, exploration, and play. By engaging children in hands-on experiences, students not only learn about healthy foods but also build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong habits that support their well-being.

Learn more about the Head Start program by visiting: www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Head Start is Wacky, Wonderful and Full of Learning!

by Angel Belford | Mar 4, 2026 | News and Information

Head Start students at Merrick and Sumner had a fun-filled week celebrating Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. At Merrick Head Start, Rooms 106 and 211 explored the playful rhymes and imaginative stories that have made Dr. Seuss a favorite for generations. Students participated in hands-on activities such as painting colorful hats and dressing up as The Cat in the Hat, bringing the stories to life in the classroom. The celebration was made even more special when one student’s dad joined the class to lead a fun activity, strengthening family engagement and making the week memorable.

Meanwhile, Sumner Head Start, Room 107, celebrated Wacky Wednesday with playful surprises and creative activities that encouraged early literacy and learning. Students dressed in wacky outfits and engaged in fun classroom challenges that made the day exciting while supporting social-emotional growth, imagination, and creativity.

These celebrations highlight how Head Start programs foster a love of learning through engaging, hands-on experiences. By connecting reading, creativity, and family involvement, students not only build early literacy skills but also develop confidence, social skills, and a lifelong excitement for learning.

To learn about the Head Start Program at PEACE, Inc. visit: peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Young Learners Explore Black History Month

by Angel Belford | Feb 28, 2026 | News and Information

The children at Merrick Head Start celebrated Black History Month by learning about important African Americans who have shaped history, culture, and the world around us. Through age-appropriate lessons, classroom discussions, and creative projects, students explored important themes such as leadership, creativity, courage, and perseverance.

Each classroom selected a person to honor and created posters that reflected what they learned. Room 102 and Room 201 focused on Michael Jackson, while Room 103 learned about artist Alma Thomas. Room 104 celebrated the musical legacy of The Temptations, and Room 106 explored the life and music of Nat King Cole. Other classrooms honored civil rights leader Rosa Parks in Room 203, musician Jimi Hendrix in Room 204, actor Chadwick Boseman in Room 206, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Room 211.

Through art, storytelling, and guided conversations, students learned about the lasting impact these individuals have made. We are proud of our young learners for their curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful engagement as they celebrated Black History Month and the powerful contributions of Black leaders and artists.

For more information about the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Sneak Peek at Lafayette Head Start Activities

by Angel Belford | Feb 15, 2026 | News and Information

The children at Lafayette Head Start have been busy learning, exploring, and having fun each day in a warm and engaging environment. Through a variety of hands-on activities, children are encouraged to use their imaginations, build new skills, and learn through play both inside the classroom and outdoors.

Inside, children expressed their creativity by painting pinecones, diving into make-believe play, and strengthening problem-solving skills through building activities. Quiet moments of reading time helped support early literacy and a love of books, while group play encouraged cooperation and social development.

Outdoor adventures added even more excitement, with children enjoying snow play and active movement outside, giving them the chance to explore nature, stay active, and experience seasonal changes firsthand. These everyday moments of discovery and play are an important part of the Head Start experience, helping children grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing setting.

Learn more about Head Start: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Dancing for Heart Health at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 12, 2026 | News and Information

&Sumner Head Start hosted their Healthy Heart Dance, bringing children and parents together for a fun and engaging celebration focused on wellness and heart health. Families enjoyed a lively day filled with movement, creativity, and learning as they explored ways to keep their hearts healthy through play.

The event featured a variety of interactive activity stations designed to support both physical activity and creative expression. Children created Heart Animals and Heart People, experimented with Sponge Heart Painting, and showed off their moves during Healthy Exercise activities. Families also took part in games like Healthy Food & Heart Toss, and Pin the Heart on the Person, while temporary tattoos added an extra element of fun.

It was wonderful to see families coming together to celebrate healthy habits, active play, and community connection. Events like the Healthy Heart Dance help reinforce important wellness messages while creating joyful, shared experiences for children and their caregivers.

Young Hearts Making a Big Difference

by Angel Belford | Feb 11, 2026 | News and Information

Students and families at Grant Head Start Classroom 1 and Hawley PreK came together to celebrate National Kindness Month in a heartfelt and meaningful way. Across both classrooms, children and their families created Heart Cards for children receiving care at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, turning creativity into an act of compassion and community care.

This special activity gave young learners the opportunity to practice empathy, kindness, and generosity while learning that even small gestures can have a powerful impact. By making cards filled with care and encouragement, children explored how thoughtful actions can bring comfort and joy to others, especially to children who may need a little extra support.

We are incredibly proud of our students and families for embracing the spirit of kindness and spreading happiness beyond their classrooms. Their efforts are a beautiful reminder that when communities come together, small acts of love can make a big difference.

Pizza Day at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 9, 2026 | News and Information

Sumner Head Start Room 211 recently brought learning to life by transforming their Community Helpers Domain into a pizzeria. Students stepped into the role of pizza makers, while parents joined in to support their young chefs as they created colorful “pizzas” made from construction paper.

This hands-on activity encouraged creativity, teamwork, and imaginative play while helping children learn about community helpers and how they contribute to everyday life. Sharing the experience with families made the activity even more meaningful, strengthening connections between home and classroom.

Moments like these highlight the value of interactive, play-based learning and family engagement, creating joyful experiences that support children’s development in a fun and nurturing environment.

If you would like to see if your family qualifies for the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs

“Dad Read to a Child” at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 6, 2026 | News and Information

Sumner Head Start Room 102 recently celebrated male involvement in early learning with a successful “Dad Read To A Child” Literacy Event. Fathers, grandfathers, and other father-figures joined their children for a special storytime experience that highlighted the importance of reading together and building strong family connections.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for children to share the joy of books with the important men in their lives while strengthening early literacy skills. Seeing families come together to support learning created a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for both children and caregivers.

We are proud of our students and families for participating in this special event and for showing how shared reading experiences can support learning, confidence, and lifelong connections to literacy.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer visit: www.peace-caa.org/get-involved/