WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $1.61 million in federal funding for Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. to expand early learning, development, health services and family well-being in Garrett County.
“Education is the great equalizer. Early investments in high-quality childhood education and development services for low-income families have a significant impact on children in preparing them for future schooling, ultimately closing the learning gap,” said Senator Cardin. “The pandemic has only highlighted the need for access to these critical services for children and working parents, and that is why I will keep working to secure resources that reach every corner of our state.”
“Early childhood education sets our children up for success from day one. These federal dollars will support Garrett County’s Head Start programs, providing children with this vital opportunity to get ahead. I will continue working to ensure students across our state have access to a high-quality education,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Early childhood education is critical to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and develop skills that will follow them throughout their entire lives,” said Rep. Trone, the only member from the Maryland delegation on the Education and Labor Committee. “On the Education and Labor Committee I’ve been proud to work with Head Start to push for more funding for early childhood education, and this grant for Garrett County will help offset the setbacks we’ve seen from the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure working and low-income families aren’t left behind.”
The $1,609,921 award comes from Office of Head Start through the Department of Health and Human Services. Each year, Head Start and Early Head Start programs benefit more than a million families nationwide. More information on Head Start and Early Head Start programs and services can be found here.