Congressman Kildee Announces $1.3 Million Federal Grant for Early Childhood Education and Child Care Support in Genesee County

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced a $1.3 million federal grant to the Genesee Intermediate School District to fund Early Head Start education and child care programs for children in mid-Michigan.

The $1,351,298 federal grant is being awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Early Head Start -- Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) initiative. The EHS-CCP initiative promotes infant and toddler development through services that support early childhood education, health and family well-being. These local child care centers offer working families flexible full-day and full-year services. Additionally, the program includes high-quality learning environments for infant-toddler care and education; provisions for diapers and formula; health and developmental screenings; physical and mental health support and comprehensive, family centered services.

"I am proud to announce these grants to fund Early Head Start education in the Genesee Intermediate School District, and I am grateful for the teachers, staff, and volunteers who run these early childhood programs," said Congressman Kildee. "Investments in education give children and their families a brighter future. Throughout the pandemic, families have struggled between balancing work and child care. These programs provide families reliable child care, while providing our youngest children critical early education. As we continue to fight this pandemic and rebuild our economy, these investments become even more important."

In the wake of the Flint water crisis, in March 2016 Congressman Kildee successfully advocated for federal grants to expand Head Start and Early Head Start services for Flint children. Previously, in June 2020, Congressman Kildee announced over $20 million in federal grants to fund Head Start programs in mid-Michigan. In August 2020, Kildee announced $2.7 million in federal grants to fund Early Head Start education and child care programs for children in mid-Michigan.

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