DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) has announced the receipt of a substantial federal grant aimed at expanding its Early Head Start program. This initiative will enhance the reach and capacity of vital early childhood services across the state, offering support to 296 children in 16 counties, a notable increase from the previous program that served 152 children in just three counties.
The $6.9 million annual grant, awarded by the Office of Head Start, is supplemented by an additional $1 million in start-up funding for the first year. This funding represents a transformative opportunity to broaden access to early childhood education, a crucial factor in the developmental success of infants and toddlers from low-income families.
Cynthia Schofield, Director of Education Services Grants, emphasized the profound impact of this expansion, stating, “This expansion represents a transformative moment for early childhood education in Pennsylvania. By increasing available slots from 152 to 296 children and expanding from three to potentially 16 counties, we’re creating life-changing opportunities for hundreds of more families. We’re especially excited about our ability to offer flexible programming that meets the diverse needs of families, ensuring that quality early childhood education is accessible to all who need it.”
The expanded program is set to encompass families in Chester, Adams, Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, and York counties. It will offer flexible service formats, including both six- and ten-hour daily programs, designed to accommodate the diverse scheduling needs of families.
Early Head Start is a comprehensive program providing essential services for infants and toddlers from birth to age three in low-income families. It covers early childhood education, health and developmental screenings, nutrition services, social services support, family engagement initiatives, and parenting resources. This holistic approach ensures that children and their families receive the necessary support during critical early developmental stages.
The selection of CCIU for this grant followed a competitive process conducted over the spring and summer of 2024. In executing the expanded program, CCIU will partner with local community organizations to deliver comprehensive support to participating families.
The expansion of the Early Head Start program by CCIU underscores a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and providing foundational support for the youngest members of society, thus fostering a promising future for children and families across Pennsylvania.
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