Licking Head Start reopens
Photo by Shari Harris
By Shari Harris, Publisher
Licking Head Start reopened on Monday, December 9. New faces greeted returning children, as an investigation continues into recent hotline reports at the center. Licking Head Start is operated by Ozark Action, Inc.
As staff involved in the investigation are not currently allowed in the center, it is currently being operated by existing staff from Ozark Action’s central office and/or other centers. Ozark Action’s Head Start Director Angie Kinder was present Monday and planned to be there most of the week.
In a release issued last week, Ozark Action, Inc., shared that recent hotline reports concerning the Licking Head Start Center were being investigated thoroughly, “in full cooperation with state authorities.”
“We are working closely with the Children’s Division and law enforcement to address these matters,” the release said. “Parties directly involved, including children and staff, have already been contacted.”
“Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve, and we are fully committed to taking all necessary actions to uphold this commitment,” the release continued.
“When an incident is hotlined, our policy mandates that the staff involved must not be in the center while children are present pending the outcome of any and all investigations,” explained Terry Sanders, Executive Director of Ozark Action, Inc. “The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve.”
“Once the investigation is complete, all reports will be provided to all Licking Center families,” he assured.
Sanders expressed gratitude to the parents who have entrusted Licking Head Start with their children. Parents are encouraged to visit the center at any time. Any parent who has questions or concerns is invited to contact him or Head Start Director Kinder. Ozark Action’s main office phone number is 417-256-6147; Licking Head Start’s number is 573-674-2100.
Update: Licking Police Chief Patrick Burton stated after this week’s edition went to press that no criminal charges will be sought. Their investigation showed no evidence of a crime.
