Essex County Youth Nonprofit Gets $2.3 Million Federal Head Start Grant

The Montclair Child Development Center Inc. (MCDC) has been awarded a $2.3 million Head Start and Early Head Start grant to provide comprehensive childhood development services to predominantly low-income children and families.

The grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to a release.

Founded in 1968, the MCDC provides inclusive education for local Head Start and Early Start students, as well as nutrition and community engagement programs.

The MCDC currently serves 490 children across four municipalities, according to a release.

“We all know how important it is to have Early Head Start and Head Start programs to give disadvantaged children the extra boost they need to succeed,” said U.S. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). “This funding will help ensure the MCDC has the tools to continue providing services essential to making a profound difference in the lives of the children in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District.”

“The grant we received is a large portion of a $4.6 million Head Start and Early Head Start annual grant,” said Tanya Poteat, Executive Director of the Montclair Child Development Center. “This funding helps us to continue much needed preschool education and related services to 490 children and families living in the towns of Montclair, Bloomfield, Orange and West Orange.”