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WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Dingell (MI-12) announced over $1.8 million in federal funding for local Head Start programs in Michigan’s 12^th District. As part of the American Rescue Plan, Dingell helped secure $553,980 for Washtenaw Intermediate School District and $1,282,648 for Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency to invest in Head Start programs and ensure better resources and support for kids and parents.

“Our kids are our future, and we need to invest in them and their families as we recover from this pandemic and boost our economy,” said Rep. Dingell. “Head Start has a stellar track record of providing equal access to quality education that prepares young people for success. This critical funding will help our community Head Start programs continue setting up kids for success, while also helping parents return to work with the peace of mind that their kids are safe.”  

“This pandemic has shown us the importance of strong learning options and support systems are for our most vulnerable children and families,” said Naomi Norman, Interim Superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. “The American Rescue Plan and its funding for Head Start and Early Head Start will help ensure our youngest learners and their families have what they need to grow and thrive as we move out of the pandemic. We are very appreciative of Representative Dingell’s support of the American Rescue Plan and her ongoing commitment to Head Start.”

“The impact of the over 1.2 million dollars Wayne Metro Community Action has received will reach over 1000 children in families throughout Wayne County. With this funding we are excited to be able to make much needed upgrades to our playgrounds, provide a summer program targeting 4-year-olds heading to kindergarten in the fall, and continue to support our families with basic needs including; infant care supplies, food boxes and workforce development,” said Louis Piszker, CEO of Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.

The funding for Head Start comes in addition to the $1.1 billion Dingell secured to help Michigan reopen child care providers safely, keep workers on payroll, and lower costs for hardworking families.