March 28, 2022

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (all D-Md.) announced federal funding of $1,277,001 for the County School Board’s Head Start programs. St. Mary’s to expand early learning, development, health and family wellness services.

“Learning gaps have only widened during the pandemic and have particularly disadvantaged our youngest students. Investing in early childhood education programs like Head Start is one of the best ways to prepare all of our children for future success,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This funding will expand early learning and development opportunities in St. Mary’s County so that more children can access a high-quality education.”

“Early childhood education is essential for children to develop the social and emotional skills needed to thrive in school and bridge the learning gap,” said Senator Cardin. “It is critical that we support early childhood education, in underserved and most vulnerable communities. I will continue to work with Team Maryland to secure federal funding to support early education programs like Head Start in the St. Mary’s County and statewide.”

“After a pandemic that has set back our school systems and our students, it is important that we meet the needs of our educators and our children so that they can reach their full potential,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I am pleased that Maryland’s early childhood education programs are receiving more than $1.2 million in federal funds to help improve the educational experience for students and also provide important support for our families. Every child should be set up to succeed in St. Mary’s County, and this funding is a positive step in that direction.

The $1,277,001 award comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child Care and the Office of Head Start. Each year, the Head Start and Early Head Start programs benefit more than one million families nationwide. This continued annual appropriation funding was voted on by Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Hoyer, who each continue to advocate funding for early childhood education each year. For more information on Head Start and Early Head Start programs and services, click here.