Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative

The Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves 259 preschool children and 92 infants, toddlers and prenatal women in a predominantly rural six county area adjoining the urban sprawl of Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky on the Ohio River in Northern Central Kentucky. A variety of program options including full day/full year center based programs, and full day and part day school year center- based programs are available to meet the specific needs of the population served as determined by the annual Community Needs Assessment. Applications for our Head Start and Early Head Start programs are taken throughout the year by our Family Advocates at the site locations they serve.

Our Philosophy

Based upon the child’s current developmental level, Head Start/Early Head Start will help the child develop fully as a unique individual physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially
To support, promote and uplift the well-being of the Family
To provide experiences and opportunities for enrichment of the child and the family

Our Mission Statement

The OVEC Head Start program, through a team effort, will build a positive rapport with Head Start families and children based on individual strengths. Recognizing that parents are the primary educator of their children, the program will provide opportunities for families to enhance their growth and well-being in collaboration with community resources.


Early Head Start Brochure (English)	Head Start Brochure (English)
Early Head Start Brochure (Spanish)	Head Start Brochure (Spanish)

Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky Partner in Prevention

1-800-CHILDREN is a statewide helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained volunteers are there to provide parents and caregivers with information, support and/or referrals in communities across Kentucky.

Central Office Staff

Central Office Staff	Title	Ext.
Kim Lovell Fithian	Head Start/Early Head Start Director	226
Nancy Shinault	Child Development Specialist	276
Charlotte Wente	Health Specialist	248
Mary Comer	Preschool Disabilities Consultant	281
Heather Hood	Data Base Coordinator	259
Kristen Wilcoxson	Office Coordinator	260

Local Area Managers

Local Area Managers	Location	Phone Number
Missy Biddle	Gallatin County Owen County	(859) 567-2206 (502) 484-4250
Vacant	Bullitt County	(502) 955-4832
Chrissy Hudson	Shelby County Spencer County	(502) 633-1390
Becky Wolfe	Eminence Henry County	(502) 845-5503

Family Advocates

Family Advocate	Head Start Locations	Phone Number
Gabriella Greenwell	Bullitt County – Brooks FDFY	(502) 955-4831
Gabriella Greenwell	Bullitt County – Cedar Grove Head Start	(502) 543-4047
Mary Ferguson	Bullitt County – Maryville Head Start	(502) 955-6532
Mary Ferguson	Bullitt County – Old Mill Head Start	(502) 538-3113
Lisa Hardy	Eminence Head Start and FDFY	(502) 845-5503
Angie McDonald	Gallatin County Head Start	(859) 567-2228
Adrian Lee	Henry County Head Start and Eastern Head Start	(502) 845-0990
Angie McDonald	Owen County Head Start and FDFY	(502) 484-4249
Becky Brewer	Shelby County – Clear Creek Head Start	(502) 633-2348
Melinda Hillebrand	Shelby County FDFY	(502) 633-7710
Mary Ferguson	Spencer County Head Start	(502) 477-0301

Family Advocates	Early Head Start Locations (Ages 0-3)	Phone Number
Gabriella Greenwell	Bullitt County – Brooks Elementary	(502) 955-4831
Susan Diaz	Eminence	(502) 845-5503
Angie McDonald	Gallatin County	(859) 567-2228
Melinda Hillebrand	Shelby County – Early Head Start and FDFY	(502) 633-7710

Pictures

Head Start - Just a glimpse in the day of Head Start

Children reading

Early Head Start - These are just a few of our Early Head Start Infants and Toddlers as they spend their day at the center.

Double trouble