WHITE PLAINS, NY – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester) announced that the $750 million for Head Start nationwide she helped secure in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be awarded to grantees using a simplified, one-time formula based upon enrollment. This funding will directly impact up to 1,046 children at Head Start of Rockland, 1,600 children in Head Start programs run by Westchester Community Opportunity Program Inc. (WestCOP) across Westchester and Putnam counties, and 100 children in the Head Start program in White Plains operated by Family Services of Westchester.
“Head Start and Early Head Start have been there for our children and families over generations. I am so pleased these critical funds will allow the safe operation of summer programs as families continue to or return to work, while also making sure programs have flexibility during the pandemic,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “Head Start provides children with the resources and learning experiences they need to be kindergarten-ready, and in these uncertain times, Head Start’s role in communities is even more critical. With mass unemployment and significant economic losses across sectors, Head Start is an oasis for families struggling to make ends meet. I am grateful to have Head Start fostering the growth of children here in the Lower Hudson Valley.”
Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19’s impact on communities across the country that have implemented stay-at-home orders, the Office of Head Start (OHS) will provide greater flexibility with supplemental relief funds to help all grantees best meet the unique and evolving needs of the children and families they serve. The funds will be released directly to Head Start and Early Head Start programs to support supplemental summer programs with the flexibility to cover other COVID-19 related purposes as needed. With the ever-changing pandemic, grantees may need to adjust their plans and make programmatic changes or take different approaches to offset losses and organize one-time activities if a summer program cannot operate.
“Head Start of Rockland, Inc. is thankful to the Honorable Nita Lowey for her support, especially during this COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Ouida Foster Toutebon, Executive Director of Head Start of Rockland. “With these funds, Head Start of Rockland, Inc. is able to continue providing services to low-income children and families during this health crisis. Services continue, and children are being prepared for kindergarten. Safety precautions are in place for staff, children and families to prepare for opening. Summer programming is enhanced, giving special attention to children entering kindergarten and children with individual education plans. As we, along with the entire country, learn to adapt to this ‘new normal,’ we are thankful for the recognition that the preschool years are important.”
“The Office of Head Start, in the Department of Health and Humans Services, has awarded WestCOP $1.6 Million to support its Head Start Program to address the myriad COVID-19-related issues that have affected our Early Childhood operations,” said Donovan Beckford, CEO and Executive Director of WestCOP. “Opening our centers during the summer will enable more than 1,000 family members and parents to return to school or engage in job searches and or career development. We are grateful to Congresswoman Nita Lowey for her continued advocacy for the WestCOP Head Start Program and in particular for her full-throated support for these funds to be included in the CARES Act.”
WestCOP will use these funds on the purchase of laptop computers and tablets to expand online learning opportunities for more families. In addition, WestCOP will acquire personal protective equipment and other materials necessary for the cleaning and maintenance of Head Start Centers as they reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Family Services of Westchester is thrilled to receive the CARES Act award for summer programming,” said Polly Kerrigan, President and CEO of Family Services of Westchester. “This award will enable Family Services of Westchester to offer educational opportunities over the summer months to up to 100 youngsters. This grant will ensure these young residents of Westchester County will be well prepared to enter kindergarten despite the disruptions rendered by COVID-19.”
The CARES Act followed other critical relief legislation including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, enacted on March 18, and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted on March 6; and preceded the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act enacted on April 24. Congresswoman Lowey is committed to fighting for child care funds in future appropriations bills.
