WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $2,256,784 to Waldo Community Action Partners for Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

“Affordable and quality childcare is essential to helping Maine’s children and families build a healthy and sustainable future,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We welcome this significant investment in Waldo County childcare, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and help ensure that Maine’s working families can support themselves through these difficult economic times.”

“WCAP is pleased to be able to continue our rich tradition in working collaboratively with our local partners in providing these critical early childhood education and family supports which provide children with strong successful foundations for school readiness and supports to families that strengthen family systems and promote self-sufficiency,” said Donna M. Kelley, LCSW, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waldo Community Action Partners.

Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families.  Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women.  Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.