In the impending spending bill, Congress is split on how to fund the Head Start program in New York.
Congress is Split on How to Fund the Head Start Program in New York
In the impending spending bill, Congress is split on how how to fund the Head Start program in New York. The House wants to reduce on how to fund the Head Start program in New York in about $750 million but the Senate is eager to invest more money in the program. The fund the Head Start program in New York would lose a little over 4,300 seats as a result of these cuts. These funding reductions and those like them will have terrible effects. There will be an increase in the number of kindergarten unprepared kids, in addition to a rise in food insecurity and child and family health problems. As a result of everything there will be an increase in housing instability as well as a rise in mental health issues.
According to Kate Breslin, president and chief executive officer of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy there are additional problems that could impact kids and families in addition to learning loss. The dismantling of the Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Program has put even more burden on families. This resulted in over 338,000 people losing their Medicaid coverage in New York. Breslin argued that now is the moment for Congress and political authorities to increase rather than decrease money for services for children and families.
What is Head Start program in New York?
Families can receive year round, full day care through all Head Start programs. Programs are available both during the academic year and the summer and last at least eight hours. Children in Head Start programs between the ages of three and four can learn, play and develop the skills necessary to succeed in kindergarten and beyond in a safe, supportive environment. Children in Head Start programs receive nourishing meals and health checks and families receive assistance in getting their members access to the necessary medical care. Head Start programs assist families in achieving their own objectives, such as finding jobs, a place to live and enrolling in adult education. That is why fund the Head Start program in New York is important.
