Sen. Ossoff pledges $15M for CSRA education.

Casper Wong July 17, 2023 Education & Career

Millions in Funding to Support Local Head Start Programs

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – $15 million is set to help 11 of our local counties’ Head Start programs.

Georgia Senator Announces Funding

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff announced the funding on Monday.

Education and Poverty in the CSRA

While there are requirements for these programs, more people qualify than you think.

In the CSRA, there’s a need. Sen. Ossoff says it comes down to education and poverty due to COVID.

With the poverty level in Augusta nearly double the state level, Sen. Ossoff says he’s putting a stop to children suffering from it.

“There is an unmet need when it comes to early childhood education. It’s never enough,” said Ossoff.

Addressing the Need Through Head Start Programs

In order to meet the need, the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority has a local Head Start program.

Interim Executive Director Mary Harrison said: “We do health, vision, dental screenings, medical screenings, things like that. We also offer play therapy for children who need a little more attention, and have a little bit of behavioral challenges.”

Harrison says the need for this program post-pandemic is growing at a rapid rate.

“It’s challenging. It’s challenging, because as you know, within the resources, there’s more need than resource,” said Harrison.

Poverty Statistics

Statistics from the Census Bureau show 14 percent of Georgians live in poverty.

In Richmond County, it’s nearly double.

Sen. Ossoff says the pandemic is to blame.

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

“Coming out of the pandemic, there was a real cost, learning loss, socialization, loss. And for three, four, and five year old’s, that early childhood education is essential,” said Sen. Ossoff.

Which is why he says the millions in funding are needed.

“Headstart is a crucial, crucial program to ensure that young children in Georgia have access to the nurturing educational environments that are so essential in early childhood, to nutrition services, to the kind of wraparound services that support the whole family. As they help to lift up these young people. These are essential years in a child’s life, we know that from ages three, four, and five, the cognitive development and the social development that’s ongoing, make a huge difference for the rest of somebody’s entire life,” said Sen. Ossoff.

Expanding Services with Funding

Harrison says they usually get around 13 million each year, but this year with the need growing, they will be able to provide more.

“Staff, salaries, hiring staff, just beefing up the services that we can that we currently offer,” said Harrison.

Without this, she says they wouldn’t be able to continue serving more than 1,400 children each year.

“You can you can’t provide the service if you don’t have the teachers, the TAs, the family service workers, the specialists to implement and provide those services,” said Harrison.

Qualifying for Head Start

Headstart qualifying is based on income, kids also need to be under five years old. Kids in foster care or who are homeless are still eligible.

To check if you are eligible, click here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the $15 million funding announced by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff aims to provide support to Head Start programs in 11 local counties. This funding comes as a response to the education and poverty challenges faced by the community, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority plays an instrumental role in addressing the need through its local Head Start program, offering various services such as health screenings and play therapy. The poverty statistics, especially in Richmond County, highlight the urgent need for intervention and support. Sen. Ossoff emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and recognizes the significant impact it has on a child’s cognitive and social development. The funding will help expand services and ensure that over 1,400 children in the area continue to benefit from Head Start. Eligibility for the program is based on income, with children under five years old qualifying. Those in foster care or experiencing homelessness remain eligible. For more information on eligibility, please refer to the provided link. Overall, the funding aims to provide vital resources and support the holistic well-being of young children and their families in Georgia.