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 nine organizations in Maine a total of $689,821 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

“Head Start programs are instrumental in ensuring that children 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 for families across our state, which will encourage our children to grow and thrive and support Maine’s working families during the ongoing public health and economic crisis.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

·         York County Community Action will receive $66,815;

·         Community Concepts will receive $124,601;

·         Midcoast Maine Community Action will receive $67,417;

·         Downeast Community Partners will receive $48,456;

·         Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care will receive $73,737;

·         Penquis Community Action Agency will receive $110,456;

·         Waldo Community Action Partners will receive $42,738;

·         Aroostook County Action Program will receive $71,330; and

·         Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation will receive $84,271.

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.