Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $5.8 Million In Federal Head Start And Early Head Start Funding For Rensselaer And Schenectady Counties

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $5,868,752 in federal funding for Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in the Capital Region. The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Head Start and Early Head Start Programs and will be used to support child care and support services for low-income families in Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties.

“Study after study shows that the better we prepare our young children, through programs like Head Start and Early Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding for CEO and Schenectady Community Action will bring real results to young students in the Capital Region 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 childhood education remains a priority.”

“The Head Start and Early Head Start Programs give 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 help provide young children in the Capital Region 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 thrilled at the opportunity to continue our longstanding service to our community through our Head Start program. Over 500 children and families will continue to receive high quality early childhood education throughout Rensselaer County,” said Katherine Maciol, President and CEO of CEO.

“The Early Head Start grant provides crucial support for low-income families in Schenectady County. This funding enables SCAP to provide quality early childhood education and intervention services for the area’s most vulnerable children in a safe and nurturing environment. SCAP continues to create opportunities for partnership with other agencies with the aim of improving standards for all children. Research has consistently shown a high return on investment for early learning programs, with an approximate ROI of $7 for every $1 invested. Our outcomes show that low-income children that participate in early learning programs are better prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond,” said Debra Schimpf, Chief Executive Officer of Schenectady Community Action Program, Inc.

Head Start and Early Head Start provide 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 children aged three to five, while Early Head Start programs serve 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.

A list of organizations awarded funding for the Capital Region can be found below: