Miami-Dade County commissioners and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava marked the 60th anniversary of the federal Head Start program during the Oct. 21 meeting, issuing a proclamation and inviting parents, program alumni and delegate agencies to describe Head Start’s local impact.

Vice Chairman McGhee and the mayor led the recognition; Mayor Levine Cava and department officials praised Head Start as a “foundational pillar” that supports children and families. A parent and program alum, identified on the record as Ms. Eatman, described how Head Start workshops, professional training and family engagement gave her a pathway to employment and “economic self‑sufficiency.” Veronica Brown, chief operating officer at YWCA South Florida, described her agency’s role as a Miami‑Dade Head Start delegate and said the YWCA has served more than 4,000 children and families since 2012.

County and delegate representatives noted Head Start works with the public school system, faith‑based partners and community organizations to deliver early‑education, family engagement and workforce services. Officials credited Head Start with preparing children for school and helping parents access training and employment supports; several speakers urged continued support for child and family services.

The board read a proclamation designating Oct. 21 as the Head Start sixtieth anniversary day in Miami‑Dade County. No formal vote against the proclamation was recorded in the public transcript; the item was presented as a recognition and ceremonial proclamation.

Speakers emphasizing family outcomes included a parent‑alum who said Head Start “provided a true head start on life” for her children and gave her skills that led to employment; YWCA leaders pointed to specific participant success stories and parent leadership through Parent Policy Committees. Several commissioners and the mayor thanked Head Start staff and teachers and invited children from a Head Start center to participate in the event.

The county did not announce specific new funding or programmatic changes at the proclamation time. Commissioners and the mayor urged continued partnership with delegate agencies to maintain services to children and families across the county.