December 02, 2020

Duckworth, Durbin Announce $52 Million to Support Head Start and Early Head Start in Chicago

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $52.7 million in federal grant funding to the City of Chicago for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families, will support comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five.

“Head Start and Early Head Start programs are critical for kids in Chicago—and throughout Illinois—to have the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom,” Duckworth said. “Investments in early childhood education and parental support programs aren’t just critical during this pandemic, they are investments in our future. I’m proud to continue supporting this program with Senator Durbin to help children reach their full potential.”

“Head Start and Early Head Start programs are crucial for school readiness and the healthy development of young children,” Durbin said. “Many of the families served by these programs live in communities that have been disproportionately devastated by the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal funding will help build the foundation for lifelong success by supporting early learning, health, and family well-being.”