Larson Announces $1.3 Million For Local Head Start Programs

Press Release

Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced $1.3 million for local Head Start programs. Larson helped secure the grant funding as part of the American Rescue Plan.

"Head Start programs are vital to our communities. This investment will help our local Head Start programs continue preparing Connecticut kids for success, and help parents get back to work and grow our economy knowing their kids are safe and cared for," said Larson.

The following programs received funding:

Prospect Manchester Hospital, Inc., $57,432
East Hartford Public Schools, $193,833
Capitol Region Education Council, $509,709
EdAdvance, $266,820
Manchester Board of Education, $287,160
"ECHN's Family Development Center is extremely grateful for the funding awarded to Manchester's Head Start program through the American Rescue Plan. This home visiting program supports children birth to 3 years old, pregnant women and their families through play groups, field trips, child development, developmental screening, parent education, health, dental, disabilities and behavioral health services. We are so appreciative of this support to further help strengthen our community and serve our mission," said Deborah Weymouth, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN).

"We are thrilled to receive the award that provides funding to our Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) here in East Hartford that services over 300 learners ages 3-4. Early learning is a core part of getting our kids on track as readers and students and we appreciate the Congressman's advocacy to support this vital service," said Nathan Quesnel, East Hartford Superintendent.

"CREC is thrilled to provide additional enhanced resources like extended day and services that allow us to serve more children with these funds. Extending the year by adding a summer component, while upgrading outdoor play spaces and classroom technology, helps address children's social-emotional needs and any lost instructional time and ensures more effective and efficient resources for staff. The funding also aids our support to children with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness and broadens community outreach," said Dr. Greg Florio, CREC Executive Director.

"In partnership with the Office of Early Childhood, through the Innovative Enhancement, Services and Summer State Supplemental Grants, CREC Head Start has increased our community impact. Our program has been able to provide services to additional children in the West End of Hartford, offer extended-day hours to working families, and serve children beyond the school year. This year's summer programming will focus on nature-based play and social-emotional development, with a strong emphasis on parent engagement. This collaborative funding opportunity has allowed us to offer in-person educational experiences to children who lost instructional time due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said CREC Head Start Director, Jennie Shea.

"Funding from the American Rescue plan has and will continue to provide EdAdvance Head Start the opportunity to deliver safe and high-quality learning environments for 250 children attending our programs in Litchfield County. Throughout the pandemic we were able to purchase technology to support families and upgrade our facilities to meet all state and federal safety recommendations. This summer Head Start will offer in-person instruction, playgroups and, one-on-one home visits to best prepare students for Kindergarten and beyond. Our staff is excited to return to full in-person learning and engage with families this summer and during the upcoming school year," said Carmella Galipault, EdAdvance Head Start Director.

"We are extremely fortunate that additional funds are being made available for our Head Start program as we do critical work supporting our youngest students and their families during this challenging time. Funds from this allocation will support additional mental health services, enhanced technology, and new and exciting learning experiences for students," said Matthew Geary, Superintendent for Manchester Public Schools.

The funding for Head Start comes in addition to $275 million Larson secured to help Connecticut reopen child care providers safely, keep workers on payroll, and lower costs for hardworking families.

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