U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,302,042 in federal funding for the Oswego County Opportunities, Inc., a community based organization in Fulton County. Schumer and Gillibrand said this funding will continue to support the organization’s efforts to improve education for low-income children at their earliest age, when major learning strides take place.
“Children are most impacted by their earliest lessons and carry those teachings through their academic career,” said Senator Schumer. “This Head Start funding will bring real results to our young students in Oswego County by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and will continue to fight to see that early child education remains a priority.”
“Head start programs are an invaluable resource to support children at their most critical learning stages,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding is an investment in the future of our children and the Oswego County Opportunities program will help deliver education programs for Syracuse children and reduce the cost of quality childcare for those who need it most.”
“We are very excited to be able to continue to provide services to our 3- and 4-year old children in Oswego County. Head Start provides comprehensive services focusing on academic, health, nutrition and family services of the children enrolled,” said Beth Kazel, Director of Oswego County Opportunities’ Education Services.
Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five and their families. Community organizations are awarded grants to provide Head Start services in their community through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages three and four while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants and toddlers. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.