Grand Forks Head Start Expands Access with “Growing Together” Program
NDAD is proud to support Grand Forks Head Start with a $5,000 Gibbens Memorial Grant to strengthen inclusive learning through its Growing Together: Ready to Learn, Ready to Belong program.

Creating a Strong Foundation for Every Child
Grand Forks Head Start serves low-income children ages three to five from diverse backgrounds, including those with developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, behavioral needs, and varying social-emotional skills. This program is designed to create a learning environment where every child feels supported, engaged, and ready to succeed.

Grant funding is helping provide essential tools and resources that promote sensory regulation, movement breaks, adaptive seating, and social-emotional development—ensuring classrooms can meet the needs of all learners.

Building Skills for Lifelong Success
“With the implementation of these supports, results should include increased student engagement, improved self-regulation and decreased behavioral challenges, enhanced social-emotional skills, greater inclusion, and a more supportive and adaptable learning environment,” said Andrea Tyce, Mental Health and Disabilities Manager with Head Start.

“Ultimately, we are better equipping children as they transition to Kindergarten.”
By investing in these supports, the program is helping children build the skills they need not only for school readiness, but for long-term success.

Advancing Accessibility in Education
This initiative highlights the importance of creating flexible, inclusive spaces where all children can learn and thrive—regardless of their individual needs.

“Supporting accessibility in education means meeting children where they are and providing the tools they need to succeed,” said DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director. “When we invest in inclusive learning environments early on, we help ensure every child has the opportunity to build confidence, develop essential skills, and feel a true sense of belonging.”

Continuing a Legacy of Impact
NDAD’s Gibbens Memorial Grant supports projects that enhance health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals in at-risk populations. Established in 2015 in honor of NDAD founders Faye and Ron Gibbens, the grant carries forward their legacy of creating meaningful opportunities and improving lives across North Dakota.