Grants support more than 300 children ages birth to three with family-centered services
Federal early childhood program funding improves childhood development and provides vital services for low-income working families
WHITE PLAINS/NEW CITY, NY – March 17, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today announcedmore than $3.8 million in new Early Head Start grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to organizations in the Lower Hudson Valley.
“Every child should have the opportunity to grow and learn in a supportive environment,” saidLowey. “I’m thrilled WestCOP and Head Start of Rockland were awarded these competitive federal funds and will now be able to support an additional 300 young children in the Lower Hudson Valley. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for increased funding for Early Head Start, because it has a proven history of success in our communities.”
A total of $3,818,162 is targeted for new Early Head Start – Child Care (EHS-CC) partnership programs in the Lower Hudson Valley and will provide 301 children under the age of three and low-income pregnant women and families with family-centered services that facilitate child development, support parental roles, and promote self-sufficiency. These federal investments will cover 80% of the cost of the programs, with the remaining cost being covered by in-kind contributions from the grantees.
Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc. (WestCOP) received $2,383,412 to serve 189 children in child care centers and family day care centers in the counties of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess. In addition, WestCOP will also receive $185,000 in one-time start-up money for their program.
Agency partners for the WestCOP grant include:
- Child Care Council of Westchester – providing Child Development Associate (CDA) and Medication Administration Training (MAT), as well as operating the family day care program for Westchester County
- Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam – CDA and MAT for Dutchess and Putnam counties
- Astor Services for Children & Families – providing mental health services and family engagement services in Dutchess County
- Family Services of Westchester – providing mental health services in Westchester and Putnam counties
Ellen Farrar, Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs at WestCOP, said, “We’re excited about this grant because we believe that low income children deserve the best quality early care and education wherever they’re served, whether it’s in child care centers, group family care, Pre-K, or anywhere else. All children deserve a proper head start.”
“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting opportunity to bring rich Early Head Start services and resources to a cohort of licensed group family providers serving economically-disadvantaged children all over the county,” said Kathleen Halas, the Executive Director at Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc. “These standards for quality early care and education will make a positive lifelong impact for not only these children, but the entire community as they develop into successful students and employees. We’re gratified to see so much interest in this new initiative from our providers, and look forward to working collaboratively with all involved to bring about a better future.”
Head Start of Rockland, Inc. received $1,434,750 to support 112 children in Rockland County.
“Head Start of Rockland is very excited to receive this grant which we will use to collaborate with five early childhood providers in Rockland to help them enhance the quality of their programs,” said Head Start of Rockland Executive Director Ouida Foster Toutebon.
HHS’s The Office of Head Start (OHS) administers the Head Start and Early Head Start programs that support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. Early Head Start provides children ages birth to three and low-income pregnant women and families with family-centered services that facilitate child development, support parental roles, and promote self-sufficiency.
