College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Melody Hedden is joining the WKU team as the Director of WKU’s Child Care Center (WKUCCC) and Head Start Programs. 

Hedden earned her master’s and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Human Services at Walden University. She has 24 years’ experience in Head Start programs beginning in Macon Program for Progress in North Carolina and her most recent role as Assistant Director of Program Services at Tri-Valley Opportunity Council in Crookston, MN.  In this role, she managed the Head Start programs and had oversight of team members. In 2020, she received the Head Start Hero Award from the Minnesota Head Start Association. 

WKUCCC operates a combination Early Head Start, Head Start and Non-Profit Child Care Program for children six weeks through five years of age. This unit is part of Training & Technical Assistance Services (T/TAS), a department in the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. They are located in Jones Jagger Hall on WKU’s campus and at the Bryant Way development of the Bowling Green Housing Authority.

WKUCCC completed a successful Federal Monitoring review from the Office of Head Start which demonstrates that the program follows all the federal guidelines set forth to ensure a quality school readiness program.  WKUCCC also successfully earned NAEYC reaccreditation through 2027. (https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation). 

WKU Leadership appreciates all those who participated in the monitoring and accreditation efforts!  This includes all our WKU classroom teachers, families, and community members who serve as our partners and play important roles in governing bodies for the program.  

WKUCCC’s Head Start Programs are based on the premise that all children share needs and that children benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to meet those needs. The family, the principal influence in the child's developmental, is invited to be a direct participant in all aspects of the center. Education programs utilize an individualized, child-centered, problem-solving approach to learning. Children are encouraged to learn through play, exploration, experimentation, and active involvement. 

Hedden started in her new role on May 22, 2023.

For more information, visit https://www.wku.edu/ccc/.