I write a lot about funding battles, both federal and state, and hopefully that money eventually goes somewhere and helps someone, though too often we don’t follow the money. It turns out last year’s economic stimulus package will allow 108 more kids to attend quality early learning this year in Washington State.
Thanks to the law, the federal government is sending $933,171 to this state to allow these kids to enroll in Children’s Home Society of Washington’s Early Head Start programs in King and Walla Walla counties this month. Plus, the money will create 14 new jobs in a region that could use some – the state’s unemployment rate hit 9.5 percent in December.
“The grant will allow CHSW to enhance child development and social competence in children at homes and at childcare centers. Since a strong parent is critical to the success of a young child, the programs also support family development and promote long‐term self‐sufficiency and capability of parents,” Children’s Home Society’s director of Early Learning Cathy Garland said in a statement.
Unfortunately, the new students will not make a big dent in Head Start under enrollment. Only 2.3 percent of Washington’s 69,000 eligible families actually attend Head Start, mirroring the 2 percent national enrollment rate, according to CHSW.
President Barack “Obama hopes to serve five times the amount of families,” the Home Society added.
Hey, 108 new students is a start.
News & Notes: Check out EarlyStories two great posts: