U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,529,532 for Early Head Start Programs run by the Salvation Army. The federal funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Early Head Start Program and will be used to support child care and grow early education and development services for low-income families at three different centers in Central New York; the Salina Infant Child Care Center, Cab Horse Commons Child Care Center, and the Atonement Child Care Center. 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 are most critical.
“Study after study shows that the better we prepare our young children, through programs like Early Head Start the better they perform in school later in life,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding for the Salvation Army will bring real results to Central New York 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,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds will help the Salvation Army support invaluable educational programs for children in Central New York 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.”
“We at The Salvation Army, Syracuse Area Services, appreciate Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for aiding in obtaining funding for our early childhood education services. With this funding, The Salvation Army will continue providing high-quality early childhood education and support services to the children and families who need it most in Onondaga County, providing opportunities for young children to be well prepared to succeed in school,” said Chandra Smith, Director of Child Care and Education Services, Salvation Army.
Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children, as well as support and services for their families. Community organizations are awarded grants to provide Early Head Start services in their community through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 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.