Congressman Kildee Announces Over $20 Million in Federal Grants to Fund Early Childhood Education in Genesee County

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced over $20 million in federal grants to Genesee County to help fund Head Start educational opportunities for children in mid-Michigan.

The federal grants, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), include $11,292,746 for the Genesee Intermediate School District and $9,505,713 for Genesee County. Head Start and Early Head Start are early childhood education programs that promote children's development through services that support education, health and family well-being. Programming is administered by local public, private nonprofit and for-profit agencies. The programs include child learning services in reading, math and science; nutritious meals; health and developmental screenings; oral and mental health support; behavioral and special needs services and family services.

"Quality early education is critical for a child's development. Investing in this important program now means investing in our children's futures later," said Congressman Kildee. "I am proud to announce these grants for Genesee County and Genesee Intermediate School District, which host incredible Head Start programs. I thank the teachers, staff and volunteers who run these programs, helping our young people grow and learn."

In the wake of the Flint water crisis, in March 2016 Congressman Kildee successfully advocated for other federal grants to expand Head Start and Early Head Start services for Flint children. In March 2017, Congressman Kildee also announced $5.5 million in federal grants to support new and expanded Early Head Start for children in the Flint area through Early Head Start Child Care Partnership programs. Additionally, in July 2019, Congressman Kildee announced over $30 million in federal grants to fund Head Start programs throughout mid-Michigan.

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