East Coast Migrant Head Start Project (ECMHSP) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. ECMHSP is a nonprofit organization that has provided high-quality, comprehensive Head Start services to farmworker families for over 50 years. What started as a dream, by Sister Geraldine O’Brien, of The Leadership Conference of Women Religious, a Catholic faith-based organization, became an inspiring reality! 

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Currently operating 43 educational campuses in 10 states, our mission is to provide holistic, high-quality early childhood education for over 3,000 migrant and seasonal farmworker children. Also, in partnership with community leaders and other organizations, we advocate for children and families in other areas of need.  

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Today, ECMHSP serves farmworker families in educational campuses across North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Additionally, we partner with other nonprofit delegate agencies to deliver the same high standards of services to farmworker children. Our corporate office is in Raleigh NC, with an administrative office in Washington D.C.  

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Beyond providing an educational foundation and supporting families, our many campuses significantly impact local economies. Our educational campuses enhance property values and improve the quality of life in communities. We employ approximately 1,000 individuals across 10 states. Spending generates ripple effects in local economies through the supply chain and household spending. 

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For half a century, our early education services have set each child on a path to school readiness and success. The comprehensive curriculum is further enhanced by parent input and culturally and linguistically supplemental resources for supporting dual language learners. 

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We are fortunate that many of our staff have been with the organization for decades. One of our key priorities is to Invest in employees through professional development opportunities to improve skills to better serve children and their families. 

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This ensures the knowledge and skills of our educators, caregivers, and staff stay relevant and up to date with industry trends and best practices, to provide the highest quality of services during this critical brain development period.