Delilah Jones and Head Start have been part of each other for nearly 30 years.

The Central Plaza Lead Teacher earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Cincinnati this spring while maintaining her presence on the Dean’s List.

“My degree can empower me to make a positive impact on young children’s lives and contribute to their long-term success as well as support the comprehensive needs of children and families,” she said.

Jones started out as a Head Start parent. Her oldest son was enrolled in the home-based program (formerly known as the PCC) and she sat on the Policy Council. Her home visitor, Regina Morris, encouraged her to apply for a job but she was reluctant.

“I kept brushing Regina off,” she said, noting she hadn’t wanted to work with kids. “Regina finally convinced me to fill out the application and 29 years and 7 months later, I’m still here.”

Jones has worked at multiple sites throughout Lorain County including City Center, Hamilton, Oberlin, Hopkins and Central Plaza. Meanwhile, her other three children and her niece completed the program.

“The most rewarding part of earning my degree was not giving up,” she said, adding that working full time and caring for her family while in school was a challenge but worth it. “The best part was finishing and my children watching me walk across that stage to get my diploma.”

Jones said her Head Start coworkers have become like family and she enjoys spending time with them as well as her children and grandchildren.