Cherokee Nation opens new Head Start facility in Oklahoma

The new center aims to boost early education access in the region.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Cherokee Nation has opened a new Head Start facility in Salina, Oklahoma, marking a significant investment in early childhood education for the tribal nation. The new center will provide educational resources and programming to support young children in the region.

Why it matters

Access to quality early education is crucial for child development and school readiness. This new Head Start facility expands the Cherokee Nation's commitment to supporting families and ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive from an early age.

The details

The new Head Start center features modern classrooms, playgrounds, and other amenities designed to create a nurturing learning environment for young students. The facility will offer comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family engagement services to families in the Salina area.

  • The new Head Start facility officially opened on February 6, 2026.

The players

Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation is the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, with a population of over 390,000 citizens.

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What they’re saying

“This new Head Start facility is a testament to the Cherokee Nation's commitment to investing in the future of our children and communities.”

— Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation (KTUL 8 Tulsa)

What’s next

The Cherokee Nation plans to continue expanding early education access and resources for families across its jurisdictional areas in Oklahoma.

The takeaway

The opening of this new Head Start facility underscores the Cherokee Nation's holistic approach to supporting child development and ensuring all young learners have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.