The Head Start and Early Head Start programs in 20 North Georgia counties have met full compliance from the federal Office of Head Start in Washington.

The Gainesville-based Ninth District Opportunity administers the programs with help from area school systems, the Georgia Department of Education and the Department of Early Care and Learning.

After an extensive programming and financial audit, Patricia E. Brown of the Office of Head Start wrote "your Head Start and Early Head Start programs are in compliance with applicable performance standards, laws, regulations and policy requirements."

Kay Laws, director of Head Start for Ninth District Opportunity, federal law requires "an exhaustive review."

"We are grateful for the partnerships we’ve formed with school systems, for the students and parents who participate in the programs and for an outstanding staff which works hard every day," she said.

For more information about Ninth District Opportunity, visit www.ndo.org.