07/08/2026
We are excited to see another project we've worked on for Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation being completed!
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation is celebrating the completion of the 7,500-square-foot expansion of our Head Start Early Learning Program (XELP) facility with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. July 22, at 12840 Mouth of Smith River Rd. in Smith River, Calif. We invite everyone to attend the event and tour the facility!
"This project represents the Nation's vision to further develop the Department of Education. It allowed program staff to be integral to planning the building, including designing the natural playground," said Sheryl Steinruck, the Nation's Department of Education Director.
This project is a model of teamwork and effort to meet the need for culturally appropriate early learning for infants and toddlers, Steinruck said.
"The Construction Committee's collaboration was instrumental in the start-up phase, keeping things moving," she said. "We express our sincere gratitude for the dedication to excellence, supported by various departments, especially the Finance Department, which ensures compliance with financial reporting requirements. We extend our sincere gratitude to our funding partners, Tribal leadership, staff, the construction crew, subcontractors, and everyone who helped make this project a reality."
The $3.5 million expansion will enable the Nation's Head Start Program to provide childcare and educational services year-round for up to 16 children ages 0-3, including pregnant mothers. The expansion compliments the Nation's existing Head Start Program, created in 2007 as a spin-off from the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRHIB), which continues to serve 34 children ages 3 to 5 and now includes a year-round program.
The grant-funded expansion project, which took one year to complete, includes two classrooms, space for services, and educational and social experiences for children, parents and teachers. The Nation intends to employ four full-time teachers, two full-time teacher assistants, one classroom aide, a full-time cook, and a full-time janitor for the 0-3 program.
