SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL HEAD START FUNDS FOR THE COMMISSION ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN THE CAPITAL REGION

Funding will be used to Support Early Education for Low-Income Children in the Capital Region

Albany, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,192,469 for Head Start and Early Head Start programs at the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) for the Greater Capital Region. The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and will be used to support and grow early education and development services for low-income families in the Capital Region. Schumer and Gillibrand said this funding will continue to support efforts to improve education for low-income children at their earliest age, when major learning strides are most critical.

“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 the Capital Region’s Commission on Economic Opportunity will bring real results to the Capital Region’s young students, 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.”

“Head Start programs help our children start out strong and provide support at their most critical learning stages,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal funds will help the Commission on Economic Opportunity support invaluable educational programs for children 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. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five, as well as supports and services for their families. 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, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.

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