Unfortunately, the current economic downturn has forced many counties and school districts to cut back on funding for important education programs. Congressman Bart Gordon announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded federal grant money for Head Start education services in De Kalb County.
“Each year, Head Start programs serve more than 19,000 children throughout Tennessee, providing them with a firm foundation to succeed in elementary school,” said Gordon. “Not only has the program been extremely successful in helping young children, but it has also assisted countless parents.”
Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional and social services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on enhancing preschool development. The program engages parents in their children’s learning, and also helps parents make progress toward their own educational, literacy and employment goals.
HHS awarded a $654,446 cost-of-living-adjustment grant to the Livingston, Byrdstown, Jamestown and Cookeville (LBJ&C) Development Corporation, which administers Head Start in 12 Tennessee counties. A portion of the grant will be used to support the Head Start program in De Kalb County.
“We track the progress of children, from the time they enter until the time they leave, and we are above the national norm with respect to their progress,” said Dorothy Pippin, Head Start Director at the LBJ&C Development Corporation. “This is the first cost-of-living increase we’ve received in four or five years. We appreciate all the Congressman does for us and his support for this program.”
For more information about the Head Start program in De Kalb County, contact (931) 528-3361.
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