by 
Mila Besich-Lira
This last week Superior Headstart opened their doors the community with an open house and other community based programs. The children at the center had visits from the public as well as Smokey the Bear and learned about cavity prevention from the Sun Life dental clinic during Headstart Awareness Month.
The Headstart program hosts this awareness month to celebrate and strengthen the nations’ awareness of Headstart. National statics say that the child who graduates from a Headstart program rank higher in language, literacy, and physical development than their peers who do not participate in a Headstart program.
The Superior site is one of the smaller sites in the Pinal Gila region. They are one site of 19 in Pinal and Gila counties.
The site is funded through federal funding but they often must compete with the other 19 sites for repairs or to purchase new equipment. At a recent Town Council meeting, Hilda Cardenas with Superior Headstart thanked groups like the Superior Optimist Club, Superior Substance Abuse Coalition, Resolution Copper and Copper Resource Contracting for donating and supporting the local Headstart site.
Currently the site is need of new tricycles and other outdoor equipment. The tricycles are a favorite toy for the students, and they are being worn out, there is little to no tread on the tires and the handle grips are wearing out.
Due to health and safety requirements the bikes must be purchased through a special company, one tricycle costs $375.
The children also do a lot of collages and art programs using magazines, instead of dropping those in the recycle bins you can donate to the Superior Head Start and even receive a tax deduction.
Teresita Olmos with the Superior site explained that the program prepares the young students for Kindergarten and the rigors of elementary school through high school.
“We are training the future leaders of Superior, these kids will eventually become the Mayor’s, School Board members, and employees at companies like Resolution Copper, we are providing their foundation, she said.
She also explained that the children love to have community members drop by to read a story or participate in the classroom.
Local residents can get involved with the Superior Headstart by contacting Hilda Cardenas at 520-689-2812.
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