Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $8,528,137 in federal funding for Head Start of Rockland, Inc. The funding was provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Program. Head Start of Rockland, Inc. will use the funding to provide comprehensive cognitive education, health, nutrition, and family services to 950 children, between birth and five-years-old, and their families enrolled in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs throughout Rockland County.
“Study after study shows that the better we prepare our young children, through programs like Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding for Rockland County will bring real results to students in the Hudson Valley, 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.”
“All children deserve to get a strong start in life, and programs like Head Start are indispensable for low-income families who want to make sure that their children have access to high-quality early childhood education and care,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this funding, Head Start of Rockland, Inc. will be able to support a robust program that will help families throughout the county. I will always work in the Senate to make sure our children have the resources they need to succeed.”
“Head Start of Rockland, Inc. is thankful to continue providing comprehensive services to young children and their families in Rockland County. Receiving this grant ensures the most vulnerable young children in Rockland County have an opportunity to learn and grow in safe environments,” said Ouida Foster Toutebon, Executive Director of Head Start of Rockland, Inc.
Head Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children, as well as supports and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages three to five. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.