Across the United States, programs such as Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Service Programs (ECEAP) have been affected by the federal government shutdown, as the administration canceled funding for early childhood learning programs.
Head Start is a family-focused preschool service for low-income families, serving children ages 3 to 5. In some locations, pregnant women and children from birth to age 3 are welcome.
According to the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Service Programs, about 3,000 kids will be at risk.
The Kent Youth and Family Services (KYFS) is one location that is still up and running after not receiving operational funding since Nov. 1. Theresa LaRonde is the Early Learning Director for KYFS and has been with the organization for 33 years.
“We’re very fortunate,” said LaRonde. “The Board of Directors for the Puget Sound Educational Service District voted to use some of their contingency funds to help keep our Head Start programs running through November … However, if the government doesn’t reopen prior to Thanksgiving, we’ll have to inform the parents of possible closures starting on Dec. 1, which would not be a good thing.”
KYFS also offers family support staff to help partner parents with community resources such as food and services for their family. Head Start is federally funded, while ECEAP is state-funded. The Kent organization has six Head Start center-based classes in three different locations in Kent, serving about 1,300 kids.
Because the closures are happening across the U.S, LaRonde said the organization has received several calls about what other options parents may have due to the cancellation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits.
“It’s stressful,” said LaRonde as she wiped tears from her eyes. “I know how important it is to the families and the children, but also to my staff … I have 63 staff that work in our KYFS programs and they’re concerned about themselves and taking care of their families, along with their heart being for the families that we work with and the children.”
Belki Vasquez is a new mother of a two-month-old child. She said she looked forward to entering her son in the Head Start program.
“My niece and nephews are in this program and I see how much they have learned and developed from it,” said Vasquez. “It is just sad to see that we as a state have come to this time where families, including myself, won’t be able to receive the help that they need.”
According to the National Head Start Association, 262 schools in the Kent area are affected by the loss of federal and state funding.
“It’s kind of a domino snowball effect,” said LaRonde. “If we have to close down, those families that are working or going to school may have to take time off work, which could become more of a financial burden … we serve three meals throughout the day, and with us closing and SNAP benefits shutting down, that is another important thing why we should stay open.”
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