Congressman Neguse Announces Over $2 Million in Federal Funds for Poudre Head Start Program, $1 Million for Thompson Programs

Statement

Today, Congressman Joe Neguse announced that Poudre School District will receive $2,174,190 in federal funding and Thompson School District will receive $1,071,780 for their Head Start programs. This funding will go toward supporting Head Start in both districts in delivering high-quality, evidence-based education and comprehensive services to children throughout the county.

"Head Start sets our children up for a lifetime of success by providing the support needed to help kids learn and grow. For parents throughout our communities, these programs are critical. I'm excited to celebrate such a large investment in local families and students and will continue our office's advocacy for Head Start funding," said Congressman Joe Neguse.

"Head Start and Early Head Start provide no-cost access to child care and family partnerships for 275 preschoolers and 110 families prenatal to 36 months in Poudre School District. With this funding, we empower our community's eligible families and children to build a foundation for learning and success. What an honor and a joy it is to work as partners with families as they begin their educational journey with their children. Through preschool services, home visiting opportunities, parent-and-child-together events, and prenatal education and support, we get to celebrate alongside our families as their children achieve milestone after milestone! We are grateful for this partnership!" said Poudre School District Director of Early Childhood Education, Becca Benedict.

The Thompson School District is honored to be a continuing recipient of the Head Start grant. Thousands of students and families have benefitted from the program in the Loveland--Berthoud community. The Head Start funds provide the opportunity to make a difference for our preschool students and our families. And with the support of Congressman Joe Neguse, we continue to make a difference for our students and families. Our vision for our program is "Children and Families Empowered for a Lifetime of Learning'. Head Start provides the resources and support to achieve our goal," said Thompson School District's Head Start Director of Early Childhood, Lamb Caro.

Representative Neguse has previously announced over $150,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds for Head Start child care facilities throughout Colorado's Second Congressional District. Including;

$115,000 for the Poudre School District

$41,000 for the Thompson School District

$40,000 for Boulder County

In 2020, Representative Neguse introduced the Jump Start for Head Start Act, calling on the federal government to provide emergency COVID-19 relief funds for Head Start facilities. This week's announcement is the largest investment in these services yet.

Representative Neguse is a proud advocate for increasing access to high-quality education services. Earlier this year he unveiled his "Opportunity for All" Education Agenda to support a fair shot for all students pre-k through college and advance upward mobility for Coloradans. The plan would lower child care costs and enact universal preschool for 3 and 4-year-olds, ensuring every child has access to high-quality early education; address teacher attrition and underfunded special education programs at K-12 schools, and help every college student obtain a college degree that best prepares them for the future.

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