South Coast Head Start

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Meet Krista! 🌟

Hi, I'm Krista Smith, a Lead Teacher in Gold Beach, and I've been part of South Coast Head Start for more than 20 years.

Before I became an employee, I was a parent volunteer who simply couldn't leave because I was so passionate about the program and its mission.

As a teen parent, I was fortunate to have an amazing advocate who saw my potential and encouraged me to return to school. With that support, I began my career as a Classroom Assistant while raising three young children. At one point, my youngest child was even in the same classroom where I worked, a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience that I'll always remember.

Determined to continue my education and professional growth, I earned my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to serve as a Classroom Assistant, Lead Teacher, Teacher Advocate, and now Teacher Home Visitor. I've always been willing to support the program wherever I'm needed because I truly believe in the work we do.

💙 What drives my passion for Head Start?

One of the things I love most about working with children is getting messy and having fun alongside them! Whether it's sensory play, glitter-filled art projects, dancing like nothing else matters, or celebrating Tutu Tuesdays and Wacky Wednesdays, I enjoy creating joyful experiences that children will remember.

There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing their excitement, curiosity, and laughter. My favorite part of each day is being someone they're excited to see in the morning and knowing I help create a safe, welcoming environment where they feel valued, confident, and free to be themselves.

Thank you, Krista, for more than 20 years of inspiring children, families, and colleagues with your dedication to Head Start.

🌈 Come see us today at Pride in the Park in Mingus Park from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m

Stop by the South Coast Head Start table to learn about our Early Head Start and Head Start programs, ask questions, and find out if your family qualifies for free early childhood education and family support services.

We're currently enrolling for the 2026-2027 school year and would love to meet you!

We can't wait to see everyone out enjoying a day of community, music, food, and fun! 💙💚💛❤️💜

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Meet Dakotah! 🌟

This week, we're excited to introduce Dakotah Eppes, our Cook at our Bandon Head Start Site!

A little about Dakotah:

Dakotah is a proud mom of two, and her youngest child was a South Coast Head Start participant. She has called Bandon home for more than 10 years and loves spending time outdoors walking her dogs on the beach, crabbing at the docks, and picking summer berries in the woods.

She attended Oregon State University and has built her career through a variety of roles in both cooking and early childhood education, bringing those experiences together to help nourish and support children every day.

✨ What inspires Dakotah to work for Head Start?

For Dakotah, one of the most rewarding parts of Head Start is being connected to her community and watching children build relationships with their peers as they grow. She especially enjoys sharing mealtimes with the children, knowing that those moments help nourish both their bodies and their sense of belonging. Seeing children learn, grow, and move toward a bright future is what inspires her every day.

Thank you, Dakotah, for the care, kindness, and nourishment you bring to our children and families each day!

We're Hiring! Join the South Coast Head Start Team!

We're looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families across our communities. If you're ready for a rewarding career, we'd love to hear from you!

Current Openings:
Teacher/Advocate (T/Adv)
• Coos Bay – Head Start Preschool

Teacher Assistant (TA)
• Coos Bay – Early Head Start
• Coos Bay – Head Start Preschool

Classroom Aide (CA)
• Coos Bay – Early Head Start
• Port Orford – Head Start Preschool
• Brookings – Early Head Start

✨ Competitive benefits, meaningful work, and the opportunity to help children and families thrive every day.

Apply today or share this post with someone who would be a great fit!

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Meet Nicole! 🌟

This week, we're excited to introduce Nicole, our Family Services Manager!

💙 A little about Nicole:

Nicole has been part of the South Coast Head Start team for five years. She began her journey as a Family Engagement Specialist and now serves as our Family Services Manager. She earned an Associate of Science in Human Services and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Services from Oregon State University.

When she's not at work, Nicole enjoys both exploring new adventures and relaxing at home. One of her biggest personal goals is to run a marathon someday!

✨ What inspires Nicole to work for Head Start?

Nicole believes Head Start is a wonderful place to build both a life and a career. She values the program's commitment to welcoming and supporting all families and lifestyles. Her passion is empowering staff to grow, build confidence, and become the very best they can be.

Thank you, Nicole, for your leadership, encouragement, and dedication to supporting our staff and families every day!

🍎 We're Hiring a Lead Cook in Coos Bay!

Looking for a career with a schedule that supports your work-life balance? Join the South Coast Head Start team as our Lead Cook!

✨ Why you'll love this position:
✔️ Monday–Friday, daytime schedule – evenings and weekends are yours!
✔️ All major holidays off (and paid!)
✔️ Full-time, year-round employment
✔️ Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid vacation, sick leave, and more!

As our Lead Cook, you'll help prepare nutritious USDA-approved meals for approximately 115 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers while leading our kitchen team in providing healthy meals that help children learn and grow.

📍 Location: Coos Bay, OR
💲 Starting Pay: $18.39/hour (DOE)

If you're passionate about preparing healthy meals and making a difference in the lives of young children, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today by contacting HR at [email protected] or visit www.orcca.us/careers

Come See Us at Party in the Park in Gold Beach tomorrow!

Our Gold Beach Head Start classroom staff and Early Head Start Home Visitor will be at Party in the Park this Saturday, and we'd love to meet you!

📅 Saturday, July 11
🕛 Noon – 4:00 PM
📍 Buffington Park, Gold Beach

Stop by our booth to say hello, learn about our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, ask questions, and explore enrollment opportunities for local children and families. Whether you're looking for a preschool program or want to learn more about our Early Head Start home-based services for expectant families and children ages birth to 3, we're here to help!

While you're there, enjoy:
🎪 FREE carnival games & prizes
🎁 Grand prize drawings at 4:00 PM

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon!
We can't wait to see you there!

🌟Staff Spotlight: Meet Kathrine!🌟

This week, we're excited to introduce Kathrine Alvarez, our Mental Health Services Manager, supporting families from Reedsport to Brookings!

A little about Kathrine:
Kathrine began her career as a toddler teacher and early interventionist for children on the spectrum. She earned a BA in English and an MA in Education and has a passion for supporting children—especially those with big feelings and disabilities—and their families.

She's also the proud mom of four children (ages 8–16) and wishes she'd known about Head Start when they were younger! Outside of work, Kathrine enjoys spending time with her family, visiting the ocean and libraries, reading, caring for her many animals, and even beating her kids at Mario Kart.

What inspires Kathrine to work for Head Start?
"Head Start embodies the values that matter to me: creating lifelong learners, empowering children and their families, community collaboration, and supporting the wellbeing of our most vulnerable populations. Seeing a child make a friend, the pride of learning a new skill, walking alongside families through difficult situations, and the compassion of my colleagues all inspire me every day."

We're so grateful to have team members like Kathrine who are dedicated to helping children, families, and communities thrive.

Thank you for everything you do, Kathrine!