NOCAC has asked Wauseon-area residents, businesses, churches, public agencies, property owners and community groups to help find a new home for Wauseon Head Start, according to the agency. The program currently operates in space furnished by the Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities; NOCAC said that space is needed for other purposes.
The agency wants to settle on a location by May 2027 or sooner. It said the timeline should leave room for renovations, licensing updates and other preparations before classroom materials and equipment are moved for the next program year.
The requested facility would house two classrooms plus office and kitchen space, with an outdoor play area. A NOCAC needs sheet calls for at least 700 square feet of usable space per classroom, 1,500 square feet or more outdoors, parking for staff and mini-buses, and an ADA-accessible entrance and restroom.
NOCAC said Head Start may invest in classroom upgrades, accessibility work, sinks and restrooms, kitchen equipment, fencing, playground equipment or other improvements, depending on the site and required approvals. The agency said it is open to lease or partnership arrangements that suit both Head Start and a property owner or host organization. All potential locations and agreements remain subject to licensing, regulatory, funding, legal and governing-board approval.
Amber Simmons, director of child development, said the search is intended to preserve continuity for families and allow careful planning. Leads can go to Anna Cifranic, assistant director of child development, at 419-784-5136 ext. 1126 or acifranic@nocac.org.