Metro Action Makes History by Opening First Newly Built Head Start Center
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February 28, 2007
Metro Action Makes History by Opening First Newly Built
Head Start Center
Agency to receive more than $14 Million for Improvements to
Facilities and New Construction
Nashville—Yesterday Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell joined the Metropolitan Action Commission for a historic celebration of the first newly built Head Start Center in the history of Nashville.
“Head Start Centers have historically been located in church basements in the early years and up until now were housed solely in old buildings that had been vacated by other departments. We are excited to say this is the first of many to come for the children of Nashville,” said Pamela Matthews, Head Start Director.
The Susan Gray Head Start Center at the Phillip A. Pratt Campus opened its doors this fall to 220 children in the south Nashville area. Dr. Susan Gray (1913-1992), was noted as the inspiration of the Head Start program through her work throughout the country in early child development.
"Susan Gray lead the way for Nashville and for Head Start," said Mayor Bill Purcell. "It makes sense that the first newly built Head Start center in Nashville would be named after her."
Dr. Carl Haywood, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College and close friend of Dr. and Michael Schoenfeld, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs at Vanderbilt University reflected on the work of Gray and the value of the Head Start program.
“We are as proud as you are about this center and the work of Head Start in this city, said Schoenfeld.
In addition to the building dedication, the campus of the building was officially named the Phillip A. Pratt Campus. In December, the Metropolitan Council approved an ordinance naming the property, where Susan Gray Head Start now sits as the Phillip A. Pratt Campus. The Pratt family settled on the property as one of the first freed-slave families after the Civil War,. Phillip A. Pratt (1918-1998) was known as an outstanding businessman and a champion of the teaching profession.
“It was wonderful to be able to share this day with one of the historic families that lived in this area. The Pratt Family is a pillar of the Providence Community and we are proud that they too share in this grand occasion,” said Cynthia Croom, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Action Commission.
Metro Council approved Mayor Purcell’s 2006-07 Capital Improvement Plan, which includes $7,344,000 to Metro Action for new construction and major improvements to existing buildings. Projects outlined includes construction of a new North Head Start Center on 5th Avenue, Construction of a new Kitchen Facility and major repairs to all facilities and playground equipment. Susan Gray Head Start as well as major renovations to the Dudley Head Start Center located at 4th and Chestnut were included in the 2005-06 Capital Improvement Plan.
Metro Action administers the Head Start Program to 1,485 Davidson County children age 3-4 years old. The agency also operates the Community Services Program, which provides assistance such as Adult Education, utility payment assistance, and helps with rent and mortgage payments.