Darlington County Community Action Agency (DCCAA) celebrated the reopening of St. John Head Start Center, 208 W. Seven Pines Street in Lamar, on Friday, July 31, restoring Head Start services to the community for the first time in more than a decade.
Community leaders, Board members, families, staff, and children gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of renovations and the return of early childhood education services at the St. John site.
DCCAA previously operated a Head Start classroom at the location more than 10 years ago. The classroom closed as a result of a reduction in force. The reopening reflects the agency’s continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality early childhood education for children and families in the Lamar area and surrounding communities.
The renovated center includes an updated classroom and learning space designed to support school readiness, hands-on learning, and children’s social-emotional development in a safe and welcoming environment.
“This is more than the reopening of a building,” said Jacquelyn James Slayton, Executive Director of Darlington County Community Action Agency. “It represents our commitment to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality early education. We are proud to bring Head Start back to the St. John community and continue serving children and families where they are needed most.”
Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility and the classroom and met the teachers and staff who will serve children during the upcoming school year.
DCCAA Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, family engagement, and support services that help prepare children for success in school while strengthening families throughout Darlington County.
The St. John Head Start Center is expected to welcome children for the 2026-27 program year, providing local families with renewed access to comprehensive early learning services close to home.
Darlington County Community Action Agency (DCCAA) Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to eligible children and families throughout Darlington County. The program promotes school readiness through high-quality education, health, nutrition, disabilities, family engagement, and social services designed to help children and families thrive.