Jenna Charbonneau

PICA Head Start

Parents In Community Action (PICA) operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Hennepin County and is committed to providing support for low-income families through comprehensive early childhood development and parent training opportunities. Head Start parents founded PICA 50 years ago, and parent involvement continues to be at the cornerstone of success for children and their families. PICA offers different program options based on a family's specific needs and gives them the tools to be successful. At PICA, our mission is to change the economic trajectory of a family by taking a two-generational approach, beginning with early childhood development. PICA created a ‘Grow Your Own' concept, which includes workforce development, education opportunities, parent internships and an on-site Child Development Associate (CDA), a nationally-recognized teaching credential. PICA also offers parenting programs, ESL and GED courses, personal finance education, transporting children, commercial kitchen work experience, health and literacy education and numerous other opportunities to empower parents to reach their full potential. PICA is the number one trainer of teachers of color in the state of Minnesota, providing financial support for teachers to achieve an associate's or bachelor's degree and attend professional conferences and ongoing professional development opportunities. PICA has grown from serving 214 children to more than 2,500 children and families at 14 Head Start locations throughout Hennepin County, including La Crèche Child Care partner. PICA employs more than 400 staff members, half of whom are current or former Head Start parents. Words like diverse, excellence, dedication and advocacy describe PICA best. Because of this dedication and commitment to excellence, PICA has been designated a Program of Excellence continuously since 1998 by the National Head Start Association, as well as a Top Workplace by PICA employees for five years.