
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 24, 1993                   TAG: 9304240319
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-8   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

HEAD START LIKELY TO GET NEW QUARTERS

Head Start, the federal enrichment program for preschool children from low-income families, will move to new quarters in Blacksburg Presbyterian Church in the fall if the Blacksburg Planning Commission and Town Council approve it next month.

The program, at Glade Baptist Church for several years, has outgrown its quarters, according to Cherry Pelt, who heads the community ministry program for the Presbyterians. The Baptists have room for only 15 children in one classroom, she said.

The Presbyterians recently occupied a new wing at their church on Eakin Street, and the church board has voted to make some of the space available for community needs. Pelt said at least 18 youngsters 3 and 4 years old can be accommodated now.

If additional federal government grants are secured, a second room at the Presbyterian building will be open for 18 more children, she said. That is still far short of the estimated 140 on the Montgomery County waiting list.

A fence and additional play equipment are to be added this summer if plans go as anticipated, Pelt said. Classes will be held Tuesdays through Fridays and every other Monday. Children attend from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with teachers remaining longer. Patricia Marickovich is Head Start director.

by CNB