Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care and Downeast Community Partners a total of $2,804,308 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

“Head Start programs are instrumental in helping children to cultivate new skills and receive educational opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “We welcome this investment in Androscoggin, Washington, and Hancock counties, which will support Maine’s working families and encourage children to grow and thrive.”

The funding was allocated as follows:

·         Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care received $1,641,177.

·         Downeast Community Partners received $1,163,131.

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.