Kildee Secures Over $41 Million in Head Start, Early Childhood Education Funding for Mid-Michigan Children

FLINT-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced new federal funding for Head Start programs across mid-Michigan.

The federal grants, totaling $41,944,876, were awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support childhood education in Genesee and Saginaw Counties. This funding will support a range of essential services, including health, nutrition, and social support, for mid-Michigan children. The following Head Start programs will receive funding:

• Genesee County: $11,833,465
• Genesee Intermediate School District: $18,561,873
• Saginaw Intermediate School District: $11,549,538

"Early childhood education is one of the best investments we can make in our children's future," said Congressman Kildee. "Head Start programs play a vital role in setting our kids up for success in school, and I'm proud to have secured this funding to support mid-Michigan children and their families."

"We are incredibly grateful to receive this vital funding to support Head Start in Genesee County," said James Avery, Chair of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. "This commitment to our young people aligns with our mission to promote healthy, safe and livable communities across the county. Success in this endeavor depends on programs like Head Start and the support of partners like Congressman Kildee, a steadfast advocate for the well-being of our residents."

"We appreciate Congressman Kildee's continued advocacy and support of this critical programming," said Dr. Steven Tunnicliff, Superintendent of Genesee ISD. "We know that high-quality early childhood programming is one of the most effective strategies to ensure lifelong success for our youngest learners."

"Head Start has been operating and providing critical services to the children and families in Saginaw County for over 55 years. The Saginaw Intermediate School District and its hard-working Head Start staff understand the importance of improving maternal infant health as well as providing strong cognitive, social and emotional development for our children beginning at birth. We express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Dan Kildee for his continued support of the Saginaw ISD being a recipient of this critical funding," said Dr. Ericka Taylor, Saginaw ISD Executive Director of Early Childhood.

Congressman Kildee has long-supported initiatives to improve outcomes for mid-Michigan children, including Head Start. Last year, Kildee announcedover $31 million for mid-Michigan Head Start early childhood education programs.