Delta Health Alliance expands Head Start to North Mississippi counties
Delta Health Alliance (DHA), headquartered in Stoneville, is moving quickly to restart Head Start and Early Head Start services in Lee, Itawamba, Pontotoc and Union counties, after the previous providers’ funding was not renewed.
DHA, which, according to agency officials, currently serves roughly 882 children in the Mississippi Delta through its Head Start programs, was selected by the federal Office of Head Start to take over operations from the former North Mississippi providers. The expansion will add approximately 465 children to DHA’s total enrollment.
“DHA is stepping in to ensure continued access to early childhood education for hundreds of families across these communities,” said Leigh Anne Gant, DHA vice president of early education. “It’s a big job, but our team is committed to doing everything it takes to serve children and families without delay.”
Head Start programs are federally funded and locally administered, providing early education, health, nutrition and family support services to children from birth to age 5, prioritizing low-income families. Programs are monitored for education quality, child health, family engagement and financial accountability. Funding can be reallocated if a program underperforms or fails to meet federal compliance standards.
The expansion will require DHA to secure facilities, recruit and train staff and obtain approvals to ensure safe and nurturing learning environments. While it is headquartered in Stoneville, DHA is working around the clock to support operations in these new counties.
“Establishing Head Start services in these counties is a major undertaking,” Gant said. “From recruiting and training staff to securing facilities and approvals, the work must be done from the ground up—but it’s essential for the families who depend on these programs.”
For the most up-to-date information about the North Mississippi programs, families and community members can visit DHAHeadStart.org or follow DHA on Facebook (@deltahealthalliance Head Start/Early Head Start) and Instagram (@deltahealthalliance).
Since 2012, DHA has been the largest nonprofit operator of Head Start programs in the Delta, offering high-quality early learning and health support across the state. This expansion reflects DHA’s ongoing mission to ensure every child has access to the care, education and opportunity needed to thrive.
