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If you ask Courtney Parker’s four children, they will say their Belleville mom is the best! When the Illinois Head Start Association (ILHSA) was asked, they agreed – two times in a row. Courtney Parker, president of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start Belleville Center’s Parent Association, has been selected as the 2021 Illinois Head Start/Early Head Start Parent of the Year. 

Parker was awarded the top parent prize during ILHSA’s Virtual Annual Conference in March. Last year, she received the award in person during the same conference at the Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield. The recognition includes a trophy and a cash award. 

“I’m surprised and thrilled to have won two times in a row!” said Parker. “My appreciation and commitment to SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start continues to grow, because I see the immense value of the program.” 

Parker is the mother of Londynn, 10; Brooklynn, 6; Kourtnii, 4; and Peytynn, 3. Kourtnii and Peytynn receive SIUE Home-Based instruction, while Brooklynn is enrolled at SIUE Belleville Head Start/Early Head Start Center. As a preschooler, Londynn also received Home-Based instruction. 

Parker was nominated for this year’s award by Belleville Head Start Center Director Alicia Parker (no relation). 

“Throughout the pandemic, Courtney continues to be a great addition to the Head Start program,” wrote Parker, in her recommendation letter. “Ms. Parker is extremely helpful, outgoing and participates in any event when asked. She still holds her position as president of the Belleville Center and is a policy council representative. Ms. Parker has updated us on several events that have helped our Head Start family and the community. She is willing to go above and beyond.” 

“The best thing about being a Head Start parent is when other parents look to me for advice or for something new and exciting to do with their children,” said Parker, also a parent representative for the Home-Based program. 

Parker has worked to help organize parents for the first parade to mark Head Start/Early Head Start’s 38^th Annual Parent Recognition Luncheon. The parade will be held Friday, April 16 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. 

“I’m excited to participate in the parade,” she said. “In light of the pandemic, I’m glad Head Start/Early Head Start administrators and managers decided to continue the tradition in a safe, responsible and fun way.” 

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 860 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 12 early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and five collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities.  

Photos:
Front row left to right are Peytynn, 3; Brooklynn, 6; and Kourtnii, 4. Back row left to right are Illinois Head Start Association Parent of the Year award winner Courtney Parker and Londynn, 10.

Parker shows her second ILHSA Parent of the Year award.