Sherrill Stands with New Jersey Head Start Programs In the Face of Threatened Funding Cuts
Dover, NJ — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) spent time in classrooms and with the leadership of Head Start Community Program of Morris County in Dover to see first hand the educational and economic opportunities Head Start creates for families and our communities in New Jersey. She reiterated the need to protect federal support for their work as it comes under threat in Washington. Congresswoman Sherrill also discussed her efforts to address the child care crisis in New Jersey and across the country, including the impending federal funding cliff for child care facilities.
Watch a livestream from the event here.
“For almost six decades, Head Start has provided crucial family services that set generations of children on a better path toward growth, achievement, and success. I heard from leaders here in Morris County how Head Start provides the foundation that creates opportunities for children and families in the Dover community, not just in early education but throughout their lives. Yet, in Washington, extremists have proposed massive funding cuts to Head Start, which would be devastating to New Jersey families and the future of our economy,” said Rep. Sherrill.
“On top of this, pandemic relief funding that was a lifeline to child care facilities in New Jersey and across the country is set to run out at the end of the month. Without federal action, more than 1,000 child care centers in New Jersey could close their doors — raising costs for families and sending ripple effects across every corner of the economy. As I head back to DC next week, I will be fighting to protect critical programs like Head Start and to avert these crises for New Jersey families and the economy,” continued Sherrill.
Rep. Sherrill is a fierce advocate for child care and early education programs. Earlier this year, she introduced the Child Care for Every Community Act, which would ensure access to high-quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities by establishing a network of federally-supported, locally-administered child care options modeled after the Head Start program.
“We are excited about the Child Care for Every Community Act, which is modeled on Head Start quality standards. Congresswoman Sherril’s work will ensure that every family in the community has access to high-quality, affordable early learning opportunities. We know quality childcare leads to children reaching their full potential, but it also bolsters local economies, facilitates employment, and supports family wellbeing—a win-win for everyone!,” said Susan O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of Head Start Community Program of Morris County.
Studies show attending Head Start can lead to better test scores later down the line, higher chances of graduating high school, and larger incomes as an adult.
Pictured above on the visit to Head Start Community Program of Morris County are Chief Executive Officer Susan O’Donnell, Board President Bob Grant, Director of Preschool Education for Dover Public Schools Dr. Elaine M. Mendez, Dover Public School Superintendent Dr. James McLaughlin, County College of Morris President Dr. Tony Iacono, County College of Morris Executive Director of DEI Mr. Julian Gomez, Vice-President of the Head Start Board of Directors Judy Josephson, and Morris County Human Services Director Kasey Errico.
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