New HHS Grants Increase, Improve Learning Opportunities For Young Children In Oregon

SALEM, Ore. - Dec. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Three programs in Oregon have been selected to receive $3.2 million as part of $435 million in federal funding to help offer Early Head Start services to infants and toddlers. Recipients include Umatilla Morrow Head Start in Hermiston, Mt Hood Community College in Portland, and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Inc. in Salem.

This new grant funding will allow children and families to be served in a variety of settings, that best meet their needs including family child care homes, child care centers, and Early Head Start centers in both urban and rural communities.

“Research shows the first three years are critical for brain development, and Early Head Start provides high-quality early care and learning opportunities for our most vulnerable young children,” said ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Greenberg. “These grants will help support working families by providing a full-day, full-year program for young children.”

“The experiences of young children create the foundation for future learning and success. I’m thrilled to see these three communities receive grants to expand access to Early Head Start and support collaboration with child care providers,” said Megan Irwin, Acting Early Learning System Director for Oregon. “This investment in the experiences of young children will pay dividends for these children, their families, and their communities.”

Head Start in Oregon is funded through both state and federal grants. In FY2013, Oregon received $66,619,228 to provide Head Start services to more than 12,000 children, families, and pregnant women.

More recipients will be announced by early spring bringing another $2.5 million in federal funding to the state.