PIKETON, Ohio — The Community Action Committee of Pike County will host a Back to School Carnival on Aug. 20 to launch enrollment for its Head Start preschool program for the 2026-2027 school year.
The event, organized by CAC’s Early Childhood Education Program, runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at 941 Market St. in Piketon, according to the organization.
Families will be able to tour classrooms and school buses and see the learning environments used in the program, CAC said. Organizers are encouraging parents and caregivers of children younger than 5 to attend and learn about the ECE Program and other developmental resources offered through partner organizations.
Valley View Health Centers is partnering with CAC to provide pediatric health services at the carnival. Dr. Mohammad Ali will offer physical exams and immunizations, and Dr. Elsayed Elmasry will provide dental screenings and exams, the organization said. Parents are asked to bring their child’s health insurance card for those services. Valley View representatives will also be on hand to discuss the health system’s broader lineup of affordable care options, which expanded locally with a new school-based health facility at Piketon Jr./Sr. High School.
Other CAC divisions will staff resource tables with giveaways and program information, according to the release. The carnival will also include free popcorn and snacks, raffle drawings, games and visits from characters including Safety Pup.
CAC is also offering a referral incentive: attendees who bring a friend with a child age 5 or younger will get help completing a school application for that child and receive an extra raffle ticket, the organization said.
More information on the 2026-2027 preschool enrollment process or the carnival is available from Kristi Maust at the Early Childhood Education Program, at 740-289-2371, extension 7006, or [email protected].
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Community Action Committee of Pike County.
