Joshua Cunningham, 4, pulls out of the Anderson County Head Start and Day Care parkling lot with his mother at the end of the day. The day care looks after children from ages 2-10 including its afterschool program. In addition to crafts, assistant teachers read to the children, and make a point to interact personally with them at the children's level.

Eli Stratton, 4, gets out of the car with his mother Becky Stratton, left, on their way into Anderson County Head Start and Day Care. Eighteen years seperate Eli and his next oldest sibling. His mother says this has made him "spoiled", therefore he sometimes has trouble being cooperative with the day care staff.

Lisa Bean holds Megan Earlywine, 3, as her mother, Amy Earlywine, center, leaves her daughter at Anderson County Head Start and Day Care on Wednesday morning. Megan usually is apprehensive as her mother leaves her for the day. But once her friend Jada Young, 4, bottom left, takes her by the hand she transitions in into her new environment.

Duck-duck-goose is a popular game at Anderson County Head Start and Day Care. From left are 4-year-olds Jada Young and Marissa Hargis, and 3-year-old Megan Earlywine.The program caters to children from ages 2-10.

Megan Earlywine, 3, naps at Anderson County Head Start and Daycare on Tuesday afternoon. Megan usually is apprehensive as her mother leaves her for the day. But once her friend Jada Young, 4, takes her by the hand she transitions in into her new environment.

Kaylin Hatchell, 2, sits with Sue Harvey as she prepares Anderson County Head Start and Day Care's attendance sheet early Tuesday morning. Harvey came to the day care five years ago after working in a nursing home and hasn't missed a day of work since. Harvey said she loves working with kids and seeing them learn and grow. "I treat their kids like they're my own," Harvey said.