Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Head Start Funds To NY Organizations

ELMSFORD, NY — U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $30,991,024 for 10 Early Head Start and Head Start Programs throughout New York. The federal funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Early Head Start Program and Head Start Program, and will be used to support and grow education and development services for low-income families. Schumer and Gillibrand said this funding will continue to support efforts to improve education for low-income children at their earliest age, when major learning strides take place.

In Westchester County, Westchester Community Opportunity Program, or WestCOP, will receive $2,425,267.

“Study after study shows that the better we prepare our young children, through programs like Early Head Start and Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life,” Schumer said. “This federal funding for Head Start programs across New York State will bring real results to our young students, by providing them with the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and I will continue to fight to see that early child education remains a priority.”

“Head Start programs help our children start out strong and provide support at their most critical learning stages,” Gillibrand said. “These federal funds will help deliver invaluable educational programs for children across New York State and reduce the cost of high-quality early childhood education for those who need it most. This is an important investment in our children, in local families, and in our area’s economic future. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age 5, as well as for their families. Community organizations are awarded grants to provide Head Start and Early Head Start services in their community through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages 3 and 4, while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants and toddlers. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.

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