Congressman Nickel Announces Over $7 Million In Head Start Funding

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13) announced over $7 million in new federal funding for the Head Start programs in Johnston, Lee, and Harnett Counties.

“I’m thrilled to announce new funding for the Head Start programs for the people of North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District,” said Congressman Wiley Nickel. “Working families in North Carolina are struggling with the rising costs of child care. This funding will help to ensure all students are on an even playing field when they start school, no matter what economic background they come from.”

The Head Start and Early Head Start programs are free, federally funded programs designed to promote school readiness for infants and young children from families that meet income eligibility requirements. Johnston Lee Harnett Community Action group runs a tri-county branch of the program.

The funding, which will come from the Department of Health & Human Services, will be used to support and expand the efforts of the Early Head Start program, which serves pregnant women and families with children younger than three. The funding will also support the Head Start program, which serves children between three and five years old.

According to nonprofit Every Child NC, only 30% of economically disadvantaged students in North Carolina meet the state’s standard for career and college readiness on state tests, compared to 58% of non-economically disadvantaged students. The Head Start and Early Head Start programs have proven to improve educational outcomes for participants, helping to close this gap.

In addition to providing educational opportunities, Head Start and Early Head Start programs connect children and families to other services in the community, such as free medical and dental care. Through this comprehensive approach, the program is able to ensure children’s needs are met and they are able to reach their full potential in school.