Jo Smith

Jo Smith

Child Care Coordinator

Why you work for Head Start:

I began working for Head Start 15 years ago as a home visitor. Working in the early childhood field for many years, I knew there was a huge need for parent and family support and home visiting provided that. I enjoyed working with the families in their homes and watching them become even better parents. Thirteen years ago, I took the position of Child Care Coordinator and began working with the Infant/Toddler Initiative in childcare settings. I have gotten to meet and work with some amazing childcare professionals. Working with Head Start and this initiative has provided me with great educational opportunities, trainings and workshops to enhance my knowledge and flexibility to be able to work a variety of hours to better meet the needs of my partnering childcares.

Favorite thing about your job:

This job gives me the opportunity to work in the field I have a great passion for: early childhood. Working with the directors and teachers in centers and home provider environments, providing support, education and training to help them improve the quality of care they provide and guide them as they work with children, parents and families is the absolute best.
I also get to work with community advocates who share the passion and love of teaching children and seeing them grow, learn and play and work with their families. Another thing I love about my job is “running into” people I have worked with in the past. I get the honor of hearing what all they have been accomplishing in their lives – plus hear, and maybe see, how their children have grown!!