Menendez, Booker Announce $2.4M for Head Start Programs at Montclair Child Development Center

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Montclair Child Development Center $2,371,860 to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs for families throughout Bloomfield, Montclair, West Orange and East Orange.

"It is absolutely vital that our youngest New Jerseyans get a head start on crucial educational and social development so they are not behind when they reach kindergarten and beyond," said Sen. Menendez. "When we invest in programs like Head Start and Early Head Start, we are investing in our children and our future. I am delighted Montclair Child Development is receiving this funding to continue serving so many of our communities and families."

"This federal investment will help provide our youngest students the tools they need to succeed well into the future, both in and out of the classroom," said Sen. Booker. "Each and every child in New Jersey, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status, deserves access to a quality early education in order to help them reach their full potential. I applaud the Montclair Childhood Development Center for their commitment to opening doors and helping create equal educational opportunities for all."

Montclair Child Development Center, Inc. was founded in 1968 and provides head start and early head start programs for low income families with children in Montclair, Bloomfield, West Orange and East Orange. It operates 31 classrooms with a staff of more than 100 and total enrollment of nearly 500 children.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs are administered by the Office of Head Start within HHS's Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Head Start promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Head Start programs provide a learning environment that supports children's growth in many areas such as language, literacy, and social and emotional development. Head Start emphasizes the role of parents as their child's first and most important teacher. These programs help build relationships with families that support family well-being and many other important areas. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women and their families who have incomes below the federal poverty level.

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