CARES Act gives additional funding for SHORE UP! Head Start programs

SHORE UP! Inc. has received $819,928 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These funds will support Head Start services to low-income children up to age five in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Talbot, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Dorchester counties.

Nationally, $750 million has been designated for Head Start programs to support preventative, preparedness and response activities related to Coronavirus through the CARES Act. To support low-income children who have experienced a disruption of services during this time, programs will provide supplemental summer Head Start programs as they are able. Funding will also provide help for children with Individualized Education Plans, ensuring that a child with an identified disability receives specialized instruction and services. Money will also be utilized for the purchase of tablets, as well as Personal Protective Equipment needed for families, such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and more.

“President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help supplement human services during this crisis,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “This $750 million for Head Start will help ensure that children and families who rely on the program continue receiving services like meals, health screenings and Pre-K education where possible. As we move toward safely reopening, it only grows more important that we support vulnerable families and children whose lives have been disrupted by the virus and its economic effects.”

“We know that investing in programs that use a whole family approach to learning and development can be pivotal to the success of children and families,” said Lynn Johnson, assistant secretary for the Administration for Children and Families. “During this pandemic, it is important to support programs that enrich and enlighten children, families and communities as they work towards their goals and make concentrated efforts to improve their future post the pandemic.”

SHORE UP!’s Head Start programs will provide a full range of comprehensive services to the extent possible, with a focus on preparing children for the coming school year.

“The Head Start summer program will provide a social and emotionally supportive learning environment and consistent daily routines to children who are entering Kindergarten in the fall,” said Dr. Corey Bowen, director for SHORE UP!’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs. “It will also support children in getting up-to-date on the medical, dental and other follow-up services they need to succeed in school.”

Learn more about SHORE UP!’s Head Start programs at www.shoreup.org. Head Start is currently recruiting children and families for fall enrollment. Contact SHORE UP! at www.shoreup.org, or call 410-749-1142 ext. 341. Find additional information about Head Start programming specific to this public health crisis on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/coronavirus.

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