When educators at Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Head Start gathered to celebrate being the first Head Start group in Missouri to receive the highest Quality Assurance Report designation, Exhibiting High Quality, they weren’t just celebrating a certificate — they were celebrating years of intentional work to create the best possible start for children and families.
Providing Kids a Head Start
Head Start is a nationwide early childhood and development program funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered through the Administration for Children and Families.
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided children from birth to age 5 with the educational, health, nutritional and social-emotional supports they need to thrive. Beyond preparing children for kindergarten, Head Start works alongside families by offering parent engagement opportunities, connecting them with community resources, and helping build strong foundations for lifelong learning, healthy development and family success.
By awarding grants to local organizations like community action agencies, nonprofit organizations, school districts, tribal governments and other public or private entities, Head Start is able to serve families at the community level.
Among several Head Start programs in Missouri, the OACAC serves the greater Springfield area.
Why This Recognition Matters
The Quality Assurance Report (QAR) is Missouri’s statewide quality recognition system for early childhood programs, led by UMKC-IHD Early Childhood Innovation Center in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Rather than measuring a single moment in time, QAR recognizes programs that demonstrate sustained excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement. Programs earning the Exhibiting High Quality designation have demonstrated strengths in:
- Quality interactions between educators and children
- Effective program structure and learning environments
- Professional standards for staff
- Inclusive practices
- Meaningful family engagement
For families, this designation means confidence that their children are learning in an environment built on strong relationships, engaging learning experiences, inclusive practices and continuous improvement. For educators, it recognizes the dedication and professionalism they bring to classrooms every day.
“It’s a great feeling inside to know we are doing our job and we’re doing what our kids and their families are in need of, just providing them with that high quality education.”
– Angela Shaw, OACAC Nixa Head Start
Together, these elements help create learning environments where children can build the skills they need to become lifelong learners.
Celebrating Excellence Across Missouri
Staff from the UMKC Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) and Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) joined OACAC leaders to recognize the achievement, which was also highlighted by KY3 News.
OACAC’s recognition reflects what’s possible when educators are supported with meaningful coaching, evidence-based tools and a shared commitment to children and families. Every program that pursues quality improvement strengthens not only its classrooms, but also the communities it serves.
Congratulations to OACAC Head Start on achieving Missouri’s highest QAR designation and for the lasting difference they make in the lives of Missouri’s youngest learners every day.
See the full list of OACAC Head Start Centers:
- Aurora Head Start
- Bolivar Broadway Early Head Start/Head Start
- Bolivar Karlin Lane Early Head Start
- Buffalo Early Head Start/Head Start
- Hollister Early Head Start/Head Start
- Marshfield Early Head Start/Head Start
- Monett Early Head Start/Head Start
- Nixa Head Start
- Reeds Spring Head Start
- Republic Early Head Start/Head Start
- Springfield Douglas Early Head Start/Head Start
- Springfield Grant Ave Early Head Start/Head Start
- Springfield Meadowbrook Head Start
- Springfield Nordic Landing Head Start
- Stewart Early Head Start/Head Start
Visit MO-QAR.com to learn more about the QAR program and follow the Early Childhood Innovation Center on Facebook to stay up date with other QAR designation awardees.
