Nationally, $750 million has been designated for Head Start programs to support preventative, preparedness, and response activities related to the coronavirus through the CARES Act. To support low-income children who have experienced a disruption of services during this time, programs will provide supplemental summer Head Start programs as they are able. Funds will be released directly to all 1,600 Head Start and Early Head Start programs, including tribal programs, in every state and territory beginning this week.
“President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help supplement human services during this crisis,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “This $750 million for Head Start will help ensure that children and families who rely on the program continue receiving services like meals, health screenings, and pre-K education where possible. As we move toward safely reopening, it only grows more important that we support vulnerable families and children whose lives have been disrupted by the virus and its economic effects.”
Bradford-Tioga Head Start is planning to use the funds to help offset the additional costs due to the pandemic such as added transportation, supplies such as masks, hand sanitizer, paper products; staff training and professional development; additional staff time for some positions; health supplies such as thermometers; IT equipment/supplies for virtual learning and communication; and food support for families. Bradford-Tioga Head Start Executive Director, Jody Thomas explains that, “These funds are especially important and appreciated during the time. Our typical budgets and funding streams could not support all of the additional supplies and different programming that we need and are putting into place for children and families. The additional funding gives us the opportunity to continue providing quality programming in a comprehensive way.”
Learn more about Bradford-Tioga Head Start, Inc. at www.bradfordtiogahs.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. The program is currently recruiting children and families for fall enrollment. Contact us at 570-638-1400.
Find additional information about Head Start programming specific to this public health crisis on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/coronavirus