Surrounded by 40 children at the Head Start Center in Brundidge Wednesday, Mayor Jimmy Ramage read a proclamation declaring the week of April 11-15 the Week of the Young Child in Troy.

Ramage said Brundidge Head Start works to improve early learning opportunities for young children and provides a foundation of learning for the children of Brundidge.

“Teachers and others who make a difference in the lives of young children in Brundidge deserve thanks and recognition,” Ramage said. “I encourage all our citizens to work to make a good investment in early childhood education in Brundidge.”

The mayor told the children that his family has a strong connection to Brundidge Head Start.

“Back in the early 1960s, Superintendent of Education Dr. Harold Collins wanted to initiate a program for young children,” Ramage said. “My mother, Martha Ramage, was one of the first Head Start teachers, along with Jane Spencer, Sylvia Thurman and Ann Andrews. The City of Brundidge built this building to house our Head Start program and we are very proud to have this opportunity to provide a ‘head start’ for our young children.”

Tracy Upshaw, Brundidge Head Start site director, said the children, ages three to five, have participate in a variety of special activities in celebration of the Week on the Young Child.

“The children have done paintings with shaving cream, blown soap bubbles and played different fun games,” Upshaw said. “The parents have been invited to come visit the center throughout the day. We’ve had a good time celebrating the Week of the Young Child.”

Upshaw expressed appreciation to the mayor and to Brundidge City Council Member Cynthia Pearson, who came Wednesday to read to the children, and to Wanda Moultry, OCAP executive director, and Harriet McFarlin Head Start director, for their attendance at the proclamation presentation and support throughout the year.

Pike County Head Start centers are recruiting for the 2016-2017 school year. Parents, with children ages three through five in the new school year, may register at the local centers between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.