Dana Speed has been named as Pierce County Head Start Staff of the Year for 2024-2025. The announcement was made last week by Angela Carr, Head Start director.
The center is operated by action pact, a local community action agency. Speed was voted staff member of the year by her peers and has been with the program for approximately 10 years.
“Ms. Speed is the perfect example of an amazing teacher. She puts her heart and soul into her profession. I feel sure that anyone who has ever had the chance to observe her class was in awe and left with a feeling of being blessed,” said Center Coordinator Kristy Knowlton. “I am proud to work with such a loving, caring person. One of Dana's qualities that I admire is the fact that she shows up every day with the same goal: to give these children the very best of herself.”
Other commendations from Speed’s coworkers included her filling in wherever needed, being a great team player, loving her students and how much her students love her. Activities in Speed’s classroom were described as fun, engaging and teaching children to care for each other and be proud of themselves.
Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 in eligible families, as well as pregnant women and expectant families. Eligible participants include children whose families meet the federal low-income guidelines — that is, whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program public assistance services. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness. Programs may also accept a limited number of children who do not meet any of those eligibility criteria.
The Pierce County Head Start Center is currently taking applications for the 2025-2026 program year. Please contact the Family Advocate Office at (912) 4490004 to learn more or to schedule your eligibility application.
