Emergency Federal Funding for Head Start Programs in Flint, MI

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Health and Human Services announced $3.6 million in emergency  funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving children and families affected by the water crisis in Flint, MI. The following statement should be attributed to National Head Start Association Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. 

It is encouraging that the Administration is responding to calls by the community to recognize Head Start and Early Head Start as the necessary intervention they need for their youngest children affected by the water contamination in Flint. Community leaders and federal policymakers alike have identified Head Start as a key partner in developing a forward-looking plan to combat the devastating consequences of the lead exposure and maximize Kindergarten preparedness for Flint’s youngest, most vulnerable children.

Head Start’s unique model that addresses the whole child – from health to nutrition, education to critical work with the families – is the best intervention for Flint children. This emergency funding is an important first investment in the infrastructure that will ensure that the children and families affected by the lead contamination get the solution-oriented and mitigating services they will need moving forward.