Duckworth Emphasizes Her Support for Working Families During Meeting With Rockford Parents & Head Start Leadership

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with three Rockford parents whose children participate in the Heart Start program, Rockford's Health and Human Services Department Executive Director Anqunette Parham and Director of Head Start in Rockford Lisa Warren. During the video call, Duckworth and the group discussed federal support to the program, including from the Democrat-passed American Rescue Plan, as well as what support is needed for the program to continue to be a resource for Rockford families with young children.

"Early Head Start and Head Start programs are critical for kids throughout Illinois to have the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom," Duckworth said. "I'm glad for the chance to listen to the experiences of Rockford parents who depend on Head Start and talk with the regional leadership about my continued efforts to help ensure all children reach their full potential. Investments in early childhood education and parental support programs are investments in a better future."

In July last year, Duckworth, along with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), announced federal investments from the Democrat-passed American Rescue Plan to support the return to fully operational, in-person Head Start services for the children under the age of five most impacted by inequities exposed by the pandemic in Illinois. The investments, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Administration for Children and Families, totaled $21.9 million to the state and $854,301 to the City of Rockford.

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