Head Start program to continue in September with modifications

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has awarded Action for a Better Community (ABC) a $17 million grant to continue operating Early Head Start and Head Start programs in the fall. Despite this funding, ABC’s Early Head Start program, which serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers up to age 3, will not be available this summer due to facility renovations and staff preparation for enhanced programs.

When the programs resume on September 4, 2024, there will be a new curriculum and increased slots for infants and toddlers. However, ABC will no longer provide Head Start services at its Hudson Avenue location. The programs are expected to serve 792 women, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers annually.

In May, ABC notified employees of layoffs due to failures in meeting federal performance standards related to child safety and employee background checks. Despite these issues, the Office of Head Start approved ABC’s application to continue operating both Head Start and Early Head Start for the upcoming school year.

Source: Rochester First