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BOSTON (WHDH) – As the federal government shutdown stretches on, thousands of children in Massachusetts could lose access to early childhood care if federal funding for Head Start programs runs out.
Six programs, including those in Lowell, New Bedford, and Western Massachusetts, were scheduled to receive their annual federal funds on November 1. If the shutdown continues, that money will not be disbursed.
The state is advancing grants to help affected programs stay afloat, but according to the Massachusetts Head Start Association (MHSA), Brockton’s Self Help Head Start program is still slated to shut down on Monday. MHSA said the remaining five programs will stay open as long as they can.
“We made these funds available in advance to cover a few weeks of programs, but Brockton assessed there might be a risk, whereas other programs may see the opportunity within their own financial assessment to be able to stay open for a few more weeks,” said Amy Kershaw, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. “They cannot fill the gap caused by the government not stepping in with the committed funds.”
Federal dollars make up at least 80 percent of each program’s budget. Leaders in early childhood education are warning about learning setbacks if Head Start agencies are forced to close.
“Children out of care means learning environments will be disrupted,” said Michelle Haimowitz, MHSA’s Executive Director. “It’s going to mean those parents are out of work or putting their children in unsafe care environments so that they can keep their jobs.”
Head Start provides early learning for 10,000 young children across 28 agencies in Massachusetts, serving children from birth until the age of five. The program primarily supports low-income families, those experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care. It also provides nutrition, health, and mental health services to children and caregivers.
In New Bedford, PACE…
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