U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,154,234 in federal funding for L.E.A.P. in Washington County. The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Head Start Program and will be used to support child care and support services for low-income families in Washington 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 L.E.A.P. will bring real results to students in Washington County, 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.”
“The Head Start Program gives children opportunities to reach their full potential by making high-quality early childhood education and care more accessible,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will support L.E.A.P. as it works to provide young children with the tools they need to get a strong start in life. I will continue fighting in the Senate for the resources that help prepare our children for success.”
“We are pleased to announce the second installment of over $2.1 million from the Office of Head Start, totaling $4.3 million, for another year of Head Start and Early Head Start programming. We serve 414 children aged birth to 5 years old and their families cumulatively throughout the year. Our program prepares children for school and life. We are thankful for the continued support of our Federal Partners that make this program possible,” said Claire Murphy, L.E.A.P. Executive Director, Traci Ross, Director of Head Start and Early Head Start at L.E.A.P., and Chairman of the Board of L.E.A.P., Al Nolette.
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.