U.S. Sens. Collins, King announce nearly $10M for Head Start programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded two organizations in Maine a total of $9,650,792 for their Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

The funding allocation is $5,580,763 for Penquis and the Aroostook County Action Program in Presque Isle will receive $4,070,029.

“Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,” said Collins and King in a joint statement. “We welcome this investment in families across Maine, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive.”

Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families. Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health and family well-being.