WLBT-TV Jackson
Wicker, Hyde-Smith announce $37.6 Million for Mississippi Head Start programs
By China Lee
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith have announced the award of $37.6 million in federal grant funding for Head Start programs in Mississippi.
That includes $30.3 million in new funding for Early Head Start programs in Benton, Marshall, DeSoto, Noxubee, Grenada, Lowndes, and Tunica counties.
Wicker says, "The expansion of Early Head Start in these seven counties will provide support for young children at a critical stage in their development.I supported the Institute of Community Services’ application for this funding. They have a long track record of providing comprehensive support services to Mississippi families in need.”
“This type of investment in early education can help children be better students. Head Start programs across the state have been instrumental in improving children’s physical, social, and intellectual development. I’m pleased the Department of Health and Human Services is directing this significant funding to support Mississippi youths,” says Hyde-Smith.
Head Start programs provide a range of services to low-income families to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of their children. Early Head Start programs are designed to address a similar range of developmental needs, but are designed for infants and toddlers up to the age of three.
All 82 counties in Mississippi are served by Head Start programs, which are administered by different grantees.