Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1.2 Million In Emergency Funding For Head Start Programs In The Hudson Valley
Press Release
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,205,983 in supplemental emergency Head Start funding to foster productive learning and ensure all students have access to robust early childhood education programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal funding was allocated through the Administration for Children & Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and will support the needs of children in low-income families while adhering to COVID-19 standards in the Hudson Valley. Specifically, these funds can be used for mental health services and crisis response, additional classroom staff to meet social distancing standards, personnel costs, the delivery of meals to children in a remote settings, sanitization supplies, and more.
"The pandemic has made it clear that we need to invest more into our young children through programs like Head Start, setting them up for success later in life," said Senator Schumer. "This federal funding will bring real results to our young scholars 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 ensure that early childhood education remains a priority, especially during the pandemic."
"At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted learning across New York State, we must ensure Head Start programs are fully funded so that no child lacks a strong start to their education and development," said Senator Gillibrand. "This emergency Head Start funding will help close the growing education gap and ensure students in the Hudson Valley can continue their education safely during the pandemic. These federal dollars will help deliver school meals to children learning virtually and enhance classroom safety and social distancing requirements for in-person learning."
Head Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five, as well as support and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health services, nutrition services, social services, and services for children with disabilities.
A list of the organizations and respective funding awards can be found below:
Recipient
Amount
County
Delaware Opportunities, Inc.
$53,573
Delaware
Astor Services for Children & Families
$166,436
Dutchess
Head Start Of Eastern Orange County, Inc.
$68,320
Orange
Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc.
$55,378
Orange
Kiryas Joel Municpal Local Development
$86,077
Orange
New Square Community Improvement Council, Inc.
$40,631
Rockland
The Salvation Army
$26,485
Rockland
Sullivan County Head Start, Inc.
$105,038
Sullivan
Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc.
$76,747
Ulster
Rising Ground, Inc.
$40,932
Westchester
Family Services Of Westchester, Inc.
$70,427
Westchester
Cardinal McCloskey School & Home for Children
$415,939
Westchester
Source