Jackie Watkins believes children are unique individuals with creative and imaginative minds.

After 25 years with LCCAA Head Start, Watkins has helped children in various ways, most recently as a family service assistant at Hopkins-Locke Head Start. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health science and is one of more than a dozen staff members to recently earn the Child Development Associate credential.

“I have a passion for helping others learn and grow, being able to share knowledge, having a positive impact on children and families lives by breaking down barriers that they may encounter,” Watkins said.

Before becoming an employee, Watkins four children completed Head Start and she was a frequent volunteer.

“I decided that Head Start would be a place to work for because I believed in the agency mission,” she said. “Treating and respecting people is so important to me. I work with diverse children as well as diverse families which allows me to identify, serve, and meet the needs of the community.”