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Prime Time, Inc., has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to be the Head Start grantee for DeSoto, Natchitoches and Red River parishes. With this award, Prime Time will serve 191 children ages six weeks to five years old with free, high-quality preschool services.

Prime Time was founded by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in 1991, with a focus on programs that support family learning and engagement, as well as teacher professional development.

Prime Time has operated Head Start preschool programs since 2016 and added Early Head Start to its operations in 2021. Prime Time currently provides Early Head Start and Head Start preschool in Iberia and Lafayette parishes, where it serves 635 students and their families.

“We are very excited to welcome DeSoto, Natchitoches, and Red River into the Prime Time family and to implement the proven strategies that have led to improved outcomes in Acadiana for children and families there as well,” said Miranda Restovic, president and executive director of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and Prime Time, Inc. “Our program is built on partnerships – with parents, with staff, and with the local community – and we are committed to making this a smooth transition for all involved.”

Prime Time and the current provider, SCUS Head Start, are already working together on the transition toward the December 1 date when Prime Time will officially assume operations. Currently enrolled students will remain enrolled and attending school at their current centers for the 2025-26 school year.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the children and families in DeSoto, Natchitoches and Red River Parishes over the past five years, and proud of the high-quality Head Start services we’ve provided,” said Arvelis Byrd, executive director of SCUS Head Start. “We are confident Prime Time will carry forward that legacy of service and commitment for area families, and offer them our best wishes for continued success.”

Prime Time will be hosting information sessions for families and staff in the coming weeks to introduce the program and answer any questions related to the transition. Information and updates will also be posted on our information page.