SPRINGIELD, Ill. (Chambana Today) – On Friday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, who represents Illinois’ 13th congressional district, announced that Champaign County will receive $6.4 million in Head Start and Early Head Start funding.
“Head Start programs provide vital educational and developmental support to working families in Central and Southern Illinois,” Budzinski said. “I’m pleased to announce that after our advocacy to secure these dollars, Champaign County has been awarded $6.4 million in Head Start and Early Head Start funding. Supporting early childhood education is one of my top priorities, and I’m going to keep fighting to protect programs like these that ensure every child is set up for success.”
The grant will serve 269 children and 111 infants and toddlers across the county. The announcement comes following a letter of support that Budzinski, along with senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, sent in December of last year to secure this funding.
“Providing a strong education is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation. Today’s announced Head Start funding for Champaign County will support programs that meet children where they’re at and provide them with the skills to be successful when they enter kindergarten,” Senator Durbin said. “I will continue to work with Senator Duckworth and Representative Budzinski to bring federal funding home to Illinois for education and childhood development.”
Head Start programs promote school readiness for young children from birth to age five by providing programming to enhance cognitive, social, and emotional development. They are operated by local nonprofit organizations, community action agencies and school districts. Currently, Head Start programs serve more than 36 million children across the United States.