08/12/2026
Families are invited to an afternoon of family fun, health screenings, free refreshments, and community resource connections in Piketon.
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program at the Community Action Committee (CAC) of Pike County is thrilled to announce its upcoming Head Start’s Back to School Carnival. Designed to help local families prepare for the academic year while connecting them with essential community support, the festive event will take place on Thursday, August 20, from 1:00 to 5:00p at 941 Market Street in Piketon.
With preschool enrollment officially underway for the 2026–2027 school year, organizers invite parents and caregivers throughout the region to explore classrooms, tour school buses, and see firsthand the engaging learning environments available to young children in Pike County. Local residents who have children under the age of five are strongly encouraged to attend to learn more about the ECE Program and the comprehensive developmental resources offered by partner organizations across the community.
Ensuring children are healthy and ready to learn is a primary focus of the carnival. Valley View Health Centers (VVHC) is partnering with the event to provide critical pediatric services directly to attendees.
Children will have the opportunity to receive comprehensive physical exams and immunizations administered by Dr. Mohammad Ali, MD, pediatrician at Valley View Health Centers. In addition, general dental screenings and exams will be provided by Dr. Elsayed Elmasry, BDS, dentist with Valley View Health Centers. Parents are kindly requested to bring their child's health insurance card to facilitate these on-site health services.
Beyond individual exams, families can speak directly with VVHC representatives to learn more about the full spectrum of affordable, accessible healthcare services available for their entire households.
Attendees will also have full access to a wide array of program and community resource tables featuring free giveaways, educational materials, and expert guidance. Representatives from various Community Action Committee divisions will be on hand to showcase a variety of assistance programs.
To ensure the day is filled with healthy fun and excitement, the carnival will feature an abundance of free snacks and refreshments, including popcorn and treats for all attendees. Families can also look forward to thrilling raffle prize drawings, interactive games, and visits from special guest characters, including Safety Pup.
To encourage community connection, organizers have introduced a special referral incentive: local residents who bring a friend with a child aged zero to five years old will receive assistance completing a school application and will be awarded an extra raffle ticket for the prize drawings.
For more information regarding the 2026–2027 preschool enrollment process or the upcoming Back to School Carnival, please contact Kristi Maust at (740) 289 – 2371 extension 7006 or [email protected], Early Childhood Education Program at the Community Action Committee of Pike County.
