The staff of the SEMCAC Head Start, a daycare program in Austin, was recognized for its work by the American Red Cross last week.

The Mower County Chapter of the American Red Cross presented the staff with a Proud Provider of Lifesaving Health and Safety Training plaque Sept. 18. SEMCAC has been in partnership with the American Red Cross for 13 years, providing yearly CPR and First Aid training to workers.

Semcac Head Start operates in 16 different sites in Minnesota, with 15-17 children, one teacher and two paraprofessionals per class. The Austin School District partnership operates two integrated Head Start classes at the Community Learning Center.

The Austin staff has been proactive and consistently taken initiative to make sure they receive life-saving training, said Penny Bartesch, health and safety coordinator for the Mower County Chapter of the Red Cross.

“I would like to salute their commitment to building a stronger, safer community,” she said.

CPR and First Aid training is available through the American Red Cross for individuals, businesses and organizations. More information about Head Start is available at www.semcac.org/head-start. More information about the American Red Cross is available at www.redcross.org.