Mr. Johnson isn’t just an ambitious staff member; he is a Head Start success story. With a passion for fitness, Franklin earned a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Health Education, with a specialization in Community Health, as well as an Associate’s Degree from Coffeyville Community College. When he returned home to Indian River County in 2006, he secured a teaching job at Head Start, a program that was near and dear to his heart, as a Head Start preschool student, alumni, and parent.
When the beloved Ms. Natalie Sanders retired in 2019, after 38 years with the agency, Johnson was promoted to Head Start Director. Prior to this role, he held the position of Early Childhood Education Specialist for four years. Before that, he was a Teacher for six years and a Site Manager for three years. Mr. Johnson holds a CLASS Reliable Certification and Florida Child Care Program Director Credential.
“Mr. Johnson is truly a success story, demonstrating the power of Head Start. We would love to hear from more Head Start graduates. Where are you now?” declares Angela Davis-Green, EOC’s Executive Director. “Over the past 60 years, as the Community Action Agency and Head Start provider, the Economic Opportunities Council has helped hundreds of thousands of local clients and graduated over ten thousand Head Start students,” Ms. Davis-Green states. “It’s also the 60th birthday for the National Head Start program. You’ll be hearing more about Head Start throughout the year. Mark your calendars for October, which is Head Start Awareness Month, our local Community Reads Week, and our Motown Nights 60th Birthday Party.”
