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GA Head Start Program Gets Boost from Benefactors

October 9th, 2013

Despite the partial federal government shutdown, thousands of students across the country, including Georgia, are still able to continue with their Head Start programs.

The Laura and John Arnold Foundation is giving $10 million to keep the Head Start programs running. Some of those funds are earmarked for the Peach State.

“I am delighted and happy and excited that this donation has been made and that children in Georgia and staff can return to Head Start classrooms,” says Juanita Yancey, the executive director of Georgia's Head Start Association.An audio version of this story.

Yancey estimates the donation should keep the programs in Georgia running for about a month.

“Let's just keep our fingers crossed that the government shutdown will be lifted soon,” says Yancey.

The Arnold Foundation says its goal is to produce positive changes in society that increase opportunities and lessen injustice.

National Head Start Association spokeswoman Sally Aman says that's what the Arnolds are doing with donation, because shutting down the program has a ripple effect.

“Not only are the children not getting the kinds of services that Head Start provides, from medical screenings to nutritious meals to learning their A-B-C's, but their parents are unable to go to work or school,” says Aman.

The National Head Start Association says its serves nearly 30 million of the country's poorest children.