Paula Walker serves as the Head Start Administrator for South Carolina Direct Services – Service Delivery Area 1, overseeing five educational campuses across South Carolina and North Carolina with the support of her team.
As a former Head Start student and parent, Paula is a passionate advocate for the program, inspired by her experience as a Policy Council member and chairperson, which deepened her commitment to its transformative services.
With over 30 years of experience serving low-income and disadvantaged families, Paula brings expertise in human services, dropout prevention, grants management, and early childhood education. Her career includes roles as a service coordinator for Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs, Independent Life Plan Facilitator for the South Carolina Disabilities and Special Needs Agency, and Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Clarendon County.
Since joining East Coast Migrant Head Start Project in 2013, Paula has shown unwavering dedication to its mission. For over 11 years, she led the Manning Educational Campus in South Carolina, mentoring other ECMHSP campuses and directors.
Paula holds a Bachelor’s in History from the University of South Carolina-Columbia and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education Leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus. Her leadership continues to foster the growth and development of the children ECMHSP serves, advancing its mission.
