"I continue to feel [that Head Start is a positive influence] as I see children and families make positive choices for themselves and staff continue to grow as professionals."

Pat Meeker

Education Manager
Heartland Head Start

Pat was awarded the Level I Illinois Director Credential in July 2002. She has been the Education Manager for Heartland Head Start for 3 months, and with Heartland Head Start for 25 years.

Pat's introduction to the world of educating young children was as a teach at a program in Missouri. At the time, there were few requirements for teachers but the program developed child development classes that were provided as the first steps toward developing professional staff. Finding that she was a good "natural" teacher, Pat decided to pursue a degree. Upon graduation, she again sought out Head Start - this time in Central Illinois.

The professional contributions Pat has made to the field of early care and education include presenting at workshops, acting as a grant reader and program reviewer when at-risk programs were in their infancy, and serving as a CDA Advisor. Pat is also a credentialing representative and is participating in the Taking Charge of Change program from the Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National-Louis University.

When asked about receiving the Illinois Director Credential, Pat shares that it gave her the opportunity to pull all of her material and professional history together and reflect on where she has been - as well as where she wants to go in the profession.

In her spare time, Pat enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two grandchildren, as well as reading novels, dancing, walking and working in her yard.