WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families has awarded $1,398,216 to York County Community Action Corporation in Sanford, and $1,113,626 to Downeast Community Partners in Ellsworth for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The programs provide free early childhood education and childcare to low-income families.

“Head Start programs provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment for Maine’s children to make connections and learn from their caregivers and peers – and every nickel spent is a judicious investment in Maine’s future,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “In order to attend school or participate in the workforce, parents need assurances that their children are being well cared for. This funding provides much-needed resources to support early childhood development in York and Hancock County, giving Maine’s kids the strong foundation they need to grow.”

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. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.  This funding supports local agencies that provide Head Start services across the country.