Head Start
Mountain Projects Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services for children from birth to age five. The program focuses on school readiness, health, nutrition, and family engagement—helping children and families build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
“I have seen so many families succeed in the Head Start Program. It is very fulfilling and rewarding to help these children and their families grow. It makes a stronger community.”
“I love being able to see the difference that this program makes in the lives of the children and families we serve. It’s the simple things. For example, when a child fails a vision screening, we refer them, they get glasses, and suddenly, we see them more engaged in the classroom. The result is incredibly rewarding.”
2025 in Review
* Children served ** Children and families served
Waynesville Head Start
"Seeing a child gain confidence, express their feelings with words, or try something new for the first time is a beautiful reminder of why this work matters. I love building relationships with the children and their families, and knowing I’m helping lay a strong foundation for their future.”
“For the past 14 years, Head Start has been more than a job—it’s been my purpose. I love knowing that every day I have the chance to make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Watching them grow, learn, and thrive reminds me why I chose this path.”
Waynesville Head Start
489 Pigeon St., Waynesville
828-564-2516 or 828-564-2517
Edwina G. Hall Head Start
“I have worked with families from different generations … when a child walks in and their mom or grandmother says, ‘I remember you,’ it means a lot.”
“It seems like yesterday that I began my journey with Mountain Projects Head Star. I believe with my whole heart that teaching young children is a calling that one chooses to embrace. I feel that I have been entrusted with little minds to plant seeds of learning that someone will water as each child continues their educational journey. Ultimately, teaching young children is a blessing.”
Edwina G. Hall Head Start
384 Jones Cove Rd., Clyde
828-627-0060
Kneedler Child Development Outreach Center
The Kneedler Child Development Center is named in honor of Mary Kneedler, a long-time advocate for quality care and education for children. It is a community of caring and learning and is dedicated children and their families.
Designed specifically for young children, the facility serves University parents as well as the local community and has a 5 star rating from the North Carolina Division of Child Development as a model for the care and education of young children.
Kneedler Child Development
Outreach Center
239 East University Way,
Cullowhee
828-293-2000
Staff Spotlight: Julie Keffer
Staying the Course, Mountain Projects Head Start teacher achieves dream at 55
Turner Head Start
35 Peach Bloom Dr, Canton
828-648-6637
Meet Our Administrative Staff
Christie Paxton
Head Start Director
Tabitha Justice
Education & Mental Health Coordinator
Laura Passmore
Health & Nutrition Coordinator
Missy Gibson
ERSEA Coordinator
Beth Lewis
CACFP Coordinator