Head Start: $10 Million Donation Spares Program From Shutdown

Head Start and Early Head Start received a $10 million donation from private donors. The generous gift will fund both programs for at least 30 days.

Both preschool programs offer educational opportunities for children in low-income households. The goal is to prepare children for the transition into school.

Historically, the program offered services to children between the ages of three and five. However, it has expanded to offer assistance to expectant parents, infants, and toddlers.

In addition to educational resources, the programs also offer assistance with nutrition, health, and social services.

As reported by Washington Post, the government shutdown halted funding to Head Start programs in 11 states. Locations in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi were forced to close their doors. More than 7,000 children were impacted by the closures.

Programs in 41 more states will run out of funding by November 1. A total of 86,000 children will be affected by further closures.

As reported by Wall Street Journal, private donors Laura and John Arnold are not willing to let that happen. Head Start will received $10 million to continue operations. The Arnolds released a statement about their donation:

“In an effort to address this injustice, we will help keep the doors open at Head Start programs across the country this month… We sincerely hope that our government gets back to work in short order, as private dollars cannot in the long-term replace government commitments.”

The Laura and John Arnold Foundation is a philanthropy organization, which focuses on criminal justice, education, public accountability, and research integrity. As stated at ArnoldFoundation.com, their goal is to support a culture which encourages success and prosperity.

The donation will ease the minds of parents nationwide. Many families count on the programs as they simply cannot afford traditional preschool for their children.

Head Start and Early Head Start offer children a better chance at success when they enter kindergarten. The $10 million donation will allow the program to continue helping families in need.

[Image via Wikimedia]