Fran Cachucha walked into the FNA Head Start home and knew right away what she needed to do as the new Head Start Director.
“The land is everything. Everything is linked to the land,” she said. “It’s a strong heritage. It’s the whole family.”
That was in 2022, and since then Cachucha has overseen the development of a Head Start garden plot, a nature trail, firepit, gazebo, smokehouse, and canning station, all for the families of Head Start and their young learners. She’s also completed a new wing and additional outdoor playground. The work has earned national and statewide recognition.
In addition they provide winter gear, food boxes, and cultural knowledge to families.
Cachucha doesn’t take the credit, and praises staff, management and Head Start families for their involvement.
“We’re the change agent,” she said. “The program belongs to the children. The ideas are from the parents’ input.”
The garden, called K’edenyahh Denh Garden, is to address food insecurity that families might face and is used as teaching tool. It started several years ago, and now offers several huge harvests for families several times a summer. There are plans for drip irrigation and indoor hydroponics for herbs.
Maybe even a fruit orchard, too, she added.
The national Office of Head Start recognized K’denyahh Denh and the nature trail as an innovative way to teach children about nutrition and Alaska Native culture.
“I want us to provide an unparalleled opportunity to enhance our workforce and our community skills to better serve our
enrolled students,” she said. “I want us to be a center of excellence.”
All the Head Start innovations stem from the land, she said. It’s also a way to help families connect with their children’s learning environment and foster cultural pride. While FNA Head Start is recognized as an Alaska Native/American Indian facility, the program takes all children.
“Everybody wins,” she said. “Strong leaders come from this culture. Our value system is very powerful.” she said.
FNA Head Start has leadership examples, too. Recently, the Alaska Head Start Association recognized Melissa Charlie, FNA Executive Director, with their Humanitarian Award.
“Her voice captivates a new generation of leadership,” noted the association.
Mercedes Gomez, FNA Health Specialist, was named AHSA Early Childhood Coach of the Year. Jenniffer Hernadaz-Miranda, FNA Associate Teacher, was named AHSA Assistant Teacher of the Year.
Plans for a more hands-on environment are in the works, too. Cachucha is looking to build an amphitheater so students and families may practice singing, dancing, drumming while wearing Native regalia.
FNA Head Start is hiring as well as accepting students.
