WHO WE ARE
Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend is a community-based organization providing reliable and affordable comprehensive family services for at-risk families with children ages 0-3.
With four convenient locations in Leon, Madison and Jefferson counties, experienced staff and best practices in early childhood development, we’re proud to make a difference in the lives of children and families and ultimately serve some of the most important and vulnerable members of those communities.
We equip families to learn and grow together so every child can reach their full potential
OUR MISSION
Kids Incorporated supports and educates families with young children through quality early learning, health and family services so that they can reach their full potential. Why does early learning matter? Research has shown that:
- The critical window for emotional development occurs between birth and 18 months of age.
- Most of a person’s vocabulary is formed by age 3.
- Neurological foundations for math and logic are formed by age 4.
- 50 percent of a child’s intelligence is formed by age 5.
It’s never too early to make a difference in a child’s life
OUR VISION
We want to see every child reach their full potential – and their families along with them. Each time a family with an infant or toddler enrolls in our program, we support the entire family.
When children are well-cared for, parents can focus on school or work, providing for their families and opening up even more possibilities for their children’s futures.
History
Elizabeth "Budd" Bell
In 1972, Elizabeth “Budd” Bell established Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend, a service organization that has served thousands of families and has grown to multiple facilities serving Leon, Jefferson and Madison counties.
EARLY YEARS
Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, Kids Incorporated was funded by public funds and private donations. A contract manager for the state, Pam Davis, worked closely with Bell as funding got tight and smaller early learning childcare facilities and agencies were combined with Kids Incorporated.
KIDS INc. GROWS
In the spring of 1992, Davis joined Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend as the executive director and she developed her own style and programs for Kids Incorporated with services such as the resource van, KidsFest and Holiday Happiness. Many parents with adult children remember Davis pulling up to their house so their kids could trade out the game or book they borrowed on the previous van visit.
KIDS INc. EVOLVES
Through the years, Davis focused Kids Incorporated on quality of service, encompassing the whole family in programs, and connecting parents and pregnant women with other services available within the community.
A Bright Future
LaFonda Heidel, the current executive director and CEO of Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend, was originally hired by Davis in 2004. When asked about her thoughts on the transition, Davis was enthusiastic in her praise. “LaFonda is like a daughter to me. She was always the best at helping the parents with any questions or concerns. She kept doing more, learning more – there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. She’s the perfect person to lead Kids Incorporated!”
Publications
Want to stay informed about our latest work to equip and empower at-risk families in the Big Bend? Read important updates in our recent annual report.
UNITED WAY PARTNERSHIP
Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend is proud to partner with the United Way of the Big Bend (UWBB) as a member organization. UWBB was founded with the purpose of raising and distributing funds to charitable and character-building agencies.
ACCREDITATIONS
Kids Incorporated is proud to be accredited and certified to provide the highest quality of care for children and families in our community.
Some of our accreditations include:
OUR TEAM
Learn more about our team of community advocates and early childhood education specialists.
governance
Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend couldn’t serve the community without the leadership and guidance provided by our local Board of Directors and Early Head Start Policy Council comprised of a parent from each of our centers.
Business and Community Partners
Kids Incorporated believes we can best serve our clients by partnering with other community organizations and businesses in the Big Bend.
CAREERS
If you’re interested in a career that helps shape lives and makes a difference for families in our community, and you enjoy working in a family-friendly environment, Kids Incorporated may be the place for you. We are always looking for teachers in our Early Head Start childcare centers, working with infants and toddlers ages 0-3 years.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Find answers to frequently asked questions about our organization, programs and events.
GET
INVOLVED
Support children and families in our Big Bend community by volunteering your time and resources.
GET
INVOLVED
Support children and families in our Big Bend community by volunteering your time and resources.
