Kildee Announces Over $1.2 Million Federal Grant to Fund Early Childhood Education and Child Care in Saginaw County

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced a $1,214,448 federal grant to Saginaw Intermediate School District to fund Head Start educational opportunities for children in mid-Michigan.

The federal grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS's) Head Start Emergency Supplemental initiative, provides emergency support to Head Start programs during the pandemic. Funding is available as part of the American Rescue Plan, which Congressman Kildee helped pass.

Head Start is an early childhood education program that promotes children's development through services that support education, health and family well-being. Programming is administered by local public, private non-profit and for-profit agencies. The program includes 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.

"Through the American Rescue Plan, help is on the way. I am pleased to announce this federal grant to help Saginaw Intermediate School District fund high-quality early education for our children," said Congressman Kildee. "Especially during a pandemic, when many children have had their education disrupted or pediatric appointments delayed, it is more important than ever to ensure our mid-Michigan children have access to programs that support both their educational and physical health needs. Investments in early childhood education give our children and families a brighter future."

Since coming to Congress, Congressman Dan Kildee has been an advocate for early childhood education. In the wake of the Flint water crisis, in March 2016, Congressman Kildee successfully advocated for federal grants to expand Head Start and Early Head Start services for Flint children. In June 2020, Congressman Kildee announced over $20 million in federal grants to fund Head Start programs in mid-Michigan. Most recently, in April 2021, he announced over $1 million in federal grants to fund Head Start programs in mid-Michigan.

Source