Center for Transforming Lives Recognized as a Program of Excellence by the National Head Start Association

November 3, 2026

Fort Worth, TEXAS – Center for Transforming Lives has been designated as a 2026 Program of Excellence by the National Head Start Association (NHSA), a national distinction recognizing Head Start and Early Head Start programs that demonstrate exceptional leadership, strong program management and a sustained commitment to delivering high-quality early learning and comprehensive services to children and families.

NHSA’s Program of Excellence recognizes Head Start programs across the country that consistently demonstrate excellence in program management, service delivery and outcomes for children, families and communities. The designation highlights programs that go beyond the Head Start Program Performance Standards to demonstrate innovative practices, effective leadership, meaningful family engagement and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Programs earn this distinction through a comprehensive evaluation based on NHSA’s Indicators of Excellence, which assess key areas of program operations, including leadership, governance, fiscal stewardship, staff development, parent and family engagement, and the quality of services provided to children and families. The designation, awarded for a five-year period and maintained through annual review, recognizes programs that demonstrate outstanding performance while continually identifying opportunities to strengthen their services and respond to the evolving needs of their communities.

For Center for Transforming Lives, this recognition reflects the dedication of its educators, staff, leadership and families, who work together every day to create opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive.

Through high-quality early childhood education, health and nutrition services, family support and meaningful opportunities for parent leadership, Center for Transforming Lives helps build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

“Receiving this designation from the National Head Start Association is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education for children and families,” said Carol Klocek, President and CEO of Center for Transforming Lives. “We know that the earliest years of a child’s life lay the foundation for lifelong success. This recognition reinforces the importance of our two-generation approach: ensuring children have the opportunity to thrive while empowering their parents to build greater stability for their families.”

Through Center for Transforming Lives’ Early Childhood Education program in FY26:

• 639 children received high-quality early childhood education

• 10% of these children have experienced homelessness

• 90% of children who attended center programs are developmentally on track to be ready for kindergarten

• 76% of parents were employed or participating in training, while their children were safely cared for

• 33% of parents increased their income

Center for Transforming Lives

Center for Transforming Lives partners with single mothers and their children so they can thrive. Founded in 1907, the nonprofit is one of Tarrant County’s biggest family safety nets, working to disrupt cycles of poverty and homelessness among the most vulnerable in our community. Center for Transforming Lives meets the needs of 4,000 women and children annually through a comprehensive and evidence-based, two-generation and trauma-informed model. Thanks to housing support, early childhood education, economic mobility services and counseling services that work across generations, parents and children establish security and well-being as a family. Led by CEO Carol Klocek since 2009, the $26 million organization opened its new Riverside Campus headquarters in May 2025.

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Media Contact:

Trish Rodriguez
Director for Communications
trodriguez@transforminglives.org
817-996-7330