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Head Start expansion shapes up Phoenix among first to benefit from big grant By VICKI GUARINO A center for needy preschoolers could be open at Phoenix Elementary School by next fall, one of the first visible results of a $2 million expansion of Head Start in Southern Oregon. Phoenix-Talent School District and Southern Oregon Head Start have agreed on a location for a 4,000-square-foot modular classroom on school grounds. The program will serve preschoolers who have had to travel to Medford and Ashland for the program. The Phoenix center also will allow more youngsters in the district to participate in Head Start. The proposal, which goes to the Phoenix-Talent School Board next week, is part of a $2 million grant awarded last spring by the state. The funding will enable Head Start to boost enrollment by 307 students, from 566 now. "I'm thrilled," says Superintendent Dave Willard. "Some of our kids have been going to Medford, and some of them have been going to Ashland, but many of them just don't get served." The effort in Phoenix is the first of three proposals to bring Head Start to towns that haven't had their own programs, says executive director Alan Berlin. The agency is just beginning the hunt for suitable sites in Shady Cove and Williams. In addition, Head Start officials are proceeding with a six-classroom expansion next to an existing Head Start school in Medford on Merriman Road. Another project is expected to serve nearly 70 Grants Pass youngsters. "It's an enormous amount of growth," Berlin says. "This is an enormous undertaking." The effort requires coordination with school districts and cities. And in Phoenix, the expansion will include a second publicly funded early-childhood education program for handicapped youngsters run by Asante Health System. Because of the scope of the project, Berlin says, the new facilities aren't expected to open until next fall. However, Head Start will start increasing enrollment in February. Kids will be moved into the new buildings as they are completed. Berlin says Head Start's own survey of poverty and educational needs in the region is guiding the expansion. The plan in Phoenix is one of several involving public schools. Phoenix Elementary School Principal Lynn Calhoun says Head Start and her school will benefit one another. Kids and parents can begin making ties to the public school and her students could be enriched by helping Head Start youngsters. The Phoenix siting plan resolves concern some residents raised about use of the school's playing field. Calhoun says space for Head Start has been found on a paved area so development won't infringe on space for soccer and other community sports. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA