SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.7 MILLION IN HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START FUNDS FOR CATTARAUGUS COUNTY PROJECT HEAD START, INC. IN WESTERN NY

 Funding Provides Early Education for Low-Income Children in Olean

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,785,438 in federal funding for the Cattaraugus County Project Head Start, Inc. in Olean, N.Y. The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand said this funding would allow the organization to continue its efforts in Cattaraugus County to improve education for low-income children at an early age, when major learning strides take place.

“Children are most impacted by their earliest lessons and carry those teachings through their academic career. We need to invest in early child care programs like Head Start and Early Head Start so that we are preparing our children for their future,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal grant will bring real results to our young students in Cattaraugus County by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and 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. “With this funding, Cattaraugus County can invest in invaluable educational programs for children in the community 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.”

Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five, pregnant women, and families. Community organizations are awarded grants to provide Head Start services in their community through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages three and four while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health care, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.

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