"Many Head Start programs across the country won't open their doors on Monday. Nearly 65,000 children in Head Start programs nationwide may lose access in the coming days after missing their November 1 funding deadline for federal grants due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to the National Head Start Association. Over 22,000 staff at these centers are also at risk of losing their jobs or being furloughed."
"Head Start is a federally funded program that provides childcare and early education to over 715,000 children from low-income families, from birth to age 5. Those eligible for Head Start programs are families who already rely on public assistance programs, such as SNAP, or who fall below the poverty line. Families could be left without childcare options if their Head Start programs lose funding. "It's really scary for a lot of parents," said Tommy Sheridan, the deputy director of the National Head Start Association."
A federal funding lapse amid the government shutdown has forced many Head Start programs to consider or enact closures, potentially leaving nearly 65,000 children without services and placing over 22,000 staff at risk of layoffs or furloughs. Head Start serves more than 715,000 children from low-income families, from birth to age five, and often provides childcare, early education, and nutritious meals for families relying on SNAP or living below the poverty line. Programs depend on federal grants for up to 80% of their budgets; some centers are using rainy day funds, lines of credit, or philanthropic donations to remain open temporarily. Loss of funding could eliminate critical childcare options and staff employment nationwide.
Read at Business Insider
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]