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Thousands of children have lost access to Head Start programs due to a lack of federal funding while the federal government is shut down.
A few Head Start programs did not receive scheduled funding in October. However, when Nov. 1 rolled around, operational funding was withheld in more than 40 states and Puerto Rico putting services for nearly 60,000 children at risk.
Some programs have reduced hours or laid off staff; other centers have been forced to close until funding is restored.
In Virginia, funding for 502 children was not issued by the federal government on Nov. 1.
The current shutdown is now officially the longest in US history. The second longest shutdown occurred in Donald Trump’s first term as president.
The consequences for families with children enrolled in Head Start could be far-reaching and extend beyond the shutdown, according to a Virginia Tech expert.
“Children enrolled in Head Start programs across the country are the children who need high-quality early education the most,” said Cindy Smith, a child development expert .
“They will be losing a piece of their daily routines, which not only provides them with experiences to support their cognitive development but also social and emotional development, which is key during these years.”
Head Start serves children up to 5 years of age and offers early education, wellness and developmental services.
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A pause in services could have a ripple effect on low-income families and those employed by the programs.
“Head Start also provides meals to the children, which then creates an additional burden on the families of these children,” Smith said. “Parents will be scrambling to find care for their children so that they can continue to work.”
Teachers and administrators may also be out of work making it more difficult for them to make ends meet, and then re-opening could be delayed while new staff is hired and trained.
“Hopefully, funding resumes, but those employed by the Head Start centers may need to find other employment, which makes reopening the centers even harder.”
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Crystal Graham
