Leslie Howell: Idaho Head Start Parent of the Year

Leslie Howell, the Center Cook at the Head Start center in Bonners Ferry, was recently chosen by the Idaho Head Start Association as 2018 Parent of the Year.

Leslie is the single-parent of four children: a 15 year old, a 6 year old, and twin 5 year olds. In 2016-17, her three youngest children attended Head Start in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at the same time. Last year, she was a second-year Head Start parent with her twins once again attending Head Start.

While her children were attending Head Start, Leslie became a valued parent volunteer. She always wanted to be an involved parent. She helped out during different parts of the daily routine by running a table during meal-time and taking leadership to get activities done for small groups. She would prep small group for the children’s activities, along with laminating, cutting, pasting, coloring, and more.

She also assisted the Classroom Teacher with preparing lesson plans and activities. While in the classroom she was calm and collective with the children, which is a great asset to have when dealing with 17 pre-schoolers. While volunteering at the center, she obtained a food handler’s card to help in the kitchen when it was needed. Her can-do attitude is infectious and has improved the morale of the center. When Head Start was hiring for a new center cook, in Bonners Ferry, Leslie applied and was selected for the position. She is a valued employee and has done a phenomenal job.

Leslie has devoted her life to the well-being of her children. Aside from working two jobs and maintaining the demands of life, she does an amazing job of enriching her children’s lives by bringing joy with her spirit.