31 partners recognized by Head Start

At least 31 government and private agencies in the CNMI were recognized yesterday morning by the CNMI Head Start Program under its partnership program.

The signing and the recognition ceremony was held at the Napu Room of the Pacific Islands Club in San Antonio. Family and Community Partnership coordinator Malua Peter and Head Start Program director Jeanne Samari led the ceremony during the Head Start Program regular partnership meeting.

Peter said the certificates of partnership was given also to recognize the efforts of the partners who would soon be leaving and retiring from their posts.

The partners also signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Head Start program to ensure comprehensive and quality services provided to the children and families in the program. The MOA also said these partnerships were established to provide a more effective and efficient services delivery system for children and their families. “The provision of services will respect our diverse family values, and enhance family self-sufficiency.”

Department of Labor Secretary Joaquin A. Tenorio, Public School System Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Acting Secretary Carmen Cabrera, Division of Youth Services Parent Education Program coordinator Felicidad Ogumoro, CNMI Medicaid administrator Helen Sablan, Child Care Program administrative assistant Cathy Lisua, and PSS Legal counsel Heather Kennedy.

Attending the ceremony and meeting yesterday were also Head Start Mental Health & Disabilities coordinator Josephine Tudela, NMHC Special Assistant Joshua Sasamoto, NMC-CREES Acting EFNEP & FSNEP coordinator Patricia Coleman, Workforce Investment Agency case manager Lucy Sablan, Advance Development Institute Coordinator Frances Sablan, Nutrition Assistance Program administrator Walter Macaranas, Saipan Chamber of Commerce outgoing president Alex Sablan, Community Guidance Center director Josephine Sablan, Environmental Health’s Francisco Kaipat, Maternal & Child Health coordinator Margaret Aldan, Head Start Parent representative Howard Macaranas, Ayuda Network Executive Director Conrad Reyes, and Public Health Dental assistant supervisor Maryann Yamada.

As partners, the MOA said, they are expected to provide assistance associated with the programs and organizations that are appropriate to the needs of the children and families in the Head Start Program.

Peter is also inviting families with children age 3 and 4 to drop by the Head Start Program Central Office on Capitol Hill anytime for enrollment. She said the enrollment is ongoing and classes are scheduled accordingly.