In quotes: $15 million in Head Start funding for cities and towns in Massachusetts

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that it is awarding $15 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Head Start State Supplemental Grants to 28 organizations across the Commonwealth that offer Early Head Start and Head Start to bolster the state’s early education and care workforce.”

“ ‘This Head Start grant is helping to tackle two challenges that I hear about often as I travel around the state: the high cost of child care and the mental health crisis impacting our youth,’ said Governor Maura Healey. ‘This $15 million investment of state funds into programs like Head Start will help make our state more affordable and equitable, support the hiring of qualified educators to serve more children, and build healthier communities by meeting the needs of families.’ ”

“ ‘The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to centering equity in all that we do. Head Start is a critical part of that work – helping to break the cycle of multigenerational poverty through comprehensive educational programs that meet children’s emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs,’ said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler.”

“ ‘Head Start is a critical part of our child care system that holistically prepares thousands of our youngest students to enter school ready for success, while helping low-income families work and drive our economy forward,’ said Department of Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw.”

— “Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $15M in Grants to Local Head Start Child Care Programs,” Mass.gov press release, June 30, 2023