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Courtney Parker, of Belleville, a mother of four children who is described as ambitious, courageous and compassionate, has been selected as the 2020 Illinois Head Start/Early Head Start Parent of the Year by the Illinois Head Start Association. 

Parker, president of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start Belleville Center’s Parent Association, received the award during the Illinois Head Start Association’s (IHSA) Annual Conference on Thursday, March 12 at the Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield.  

“SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start has really been great to me and my four children,” said Parker. “If it had not been for Head Start, I don’t know what I would have done. I also don’t know what I would do now to fill that void for my children, or to help other children and their families.” 

Parker’s four girls are Londynn, 9; Brooklynn, 5; Kourtnii, 3; and Peytynn, 2. Londynn received Home-Based instruction from SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start home visitor Kathy Cotton. Cotton currently teaches Kourtnii and Peytynn in the Home-Based option. Brooklyn is enrolled at the SIUE Belleville Head Start/Early Head Center. 

“I have watched Courtney Parker blossom into a remarkable parent educator and Head Start volunteer, and her children into avid learners,” wrote Cotton in her recommendation letter. “She is always advocating for Head Start, her children and other program children and their families. I am impressed with Ms. Parker’s enthusiasm, commitment, eagerness and leadership in support of Head Start families.” 

Parker has been with Head Start since 2010. Along the way, she became more involved with her children’s education and in volunteering her time. 

Some of Parker’s Head Start duties and volunteer work include: 

• President of Belleville Head Start/Early Head Start since 2018
• 2019 Illinois Head Start Parent Ambassador
• President of SIUE Home Base since 2019
• SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council Parliamentarian since 2019
• Parent Leader of Head Start Parent Cafés since 2020
• Parent Volunteer with more than 1,500 hours 

“I like Head Start because they are extremely open to my opinions and those of other parents. Center Coordinator Alicia Parker eagerly and graciously welcomes parent involvement,” noted Parker. “I’ll bring up an idea, and if it’s OK with the administration, she lets me run with it. She’s a good listener, and the whole Head Start staff is great.” 

“Just about every child at the SIUE Belleville Head Start Center knows my name, because I spend so much time up there. Many parents tell me what a good job I am doing, and that warms my heart,” continued Parker. “I am happy to work with parents and provide them resources, such as free or discounted event tickets and ways to save money through couponing. I also offer carpooling for parents that have transportation issues and babysitting for those who need it or can’t afford it.” 

“Ms. Parker is a shining example for our SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program,” said Cotton. “I know she will remain a dedicated mother to her children and will continue to do many more exemplary things for our program and community.” 

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 1,300 families and children birth through age five, including children with special needs, throughout St. Clair County. The program also provides services to expectant mothers. The program is housed in 13 early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and six collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities. 

Photo: Courtney Parker, of Belleville, is the 2020 Illinois Head Start/Early Head Start Parent of the Year.

(L-R) are Londynn, Peytynn, Kourtnii, Parker and Brooklynn.