Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Nearly $400K In Emergency Funding For Head Start Programs In Western New York

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $359,358 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 Western New York. 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 Western New York 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: