Governor Kotek Proclaims Head Start Awareness Month
The official designation honors decades of early childhood support for Oregon families and children.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Child Care
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Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed October 2026 as Head Start Awareness Month in Oregon. This recognition celebrates the work of the Head Start program, which has provided services to families across the state since 1965.
Why it matters
The proclamation honors the ongoing efforts of Head Start professionals and organizations in supporting the development of children from prenatal to age five. It highlights the essential role these programs play in connecting local families to critical medical and dental care.
Head Start programs now operate in all 36 Oregon counties, providing services to children up to age five through initiatives like the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program. Long-term practitioners, such as Suey Linzmeier, have contributed up to 40 years of experience to these local efforts.
The players
Tina Kotek
She serves as the Governor of Oregon and issued the official proclamation recognizing the month.
Oregon Head Start Association
This organization facilitates service delivery and advocates for early childhood programs across all 36 counties.
Suey Linzmeier
She is a long-term professional who has dedicated 40 years to working within the Head Start system.
The details
Local organizations and the Oregon Head Start Association work together to offer integrated support systems that connect young families to healthcare resources. The initiative is designed to bolster development for children during their most formative years, ranging from prenatal stages through kindergarten entry.
Timeline
Oregon joined the national Head Start program in 1965.
Governor Kotek proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The statewide recognition reflects a broader societal move toward prioritizing integrated, early-life intervention services for families. This aligns with the long-term mission of the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program to bridge developmental gaps before children reach school age.
Families in all 36 counties can utilize Head Start resources to secure necessary medical and dental care for their young children. Parents should contact their local program providers to determine eligibility and enrollment options for services supporting children from prenatal stages to age five.
The takeaway
Recognizing Head Start Awareness Month underscores the vital importance of consistent early childhood health and education support. Residents can support these efforts by engaging with local community organizations that coordinate care for families in their specific county.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Oregon Child Care section.
More information
Find detailed program guidelines and regional contact information on the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Source - Bend, Oregon.
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