$8.7 Million Head Start Grant Will Aid Middle Tennessee Families

April 14, 2010, COOKEVILLE – Congressman Bart Gordon announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded federal grant money for Head Start education services in Middle Tennessee.

“Each year, Head Start programs serve more than 19,000 children throughout Tennessee, providing them with a firm foundation to excel in school,” said Gordon.  “With the current economic downturn, their services to parents and children are more important than ever.”

The Department of Health and Human Services awarded an $8.7 million grant to the Livingston, Byrdstown, Jamestown and Cookeville Development Corporation, which administers Head Start in 12 Tennessee counties. The funding will cover a variety of operating costs at a time when budgets have been very tight, according to Dorothy Pippin, Head Start Director.

“This funding will allow us to keep providing comprehensive child care. In addition to our educational programming, we make sure children get the physicals and dental work they need, and we offer referral services to parents who need housing help or are looking to go back to school,” said Pippin.  “We really appreciate everything Congressman Gordon has done for us.”

Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional and social services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on enhancing preschool development.  The program engages parents in their children’s learning, and also helps parents make progress toward their own educational, literacy and employment goals. 

For more information about the Head Start program, contact (931) 528-3361.