Submitted by tara.hurlebaus on
(Newark, Del.) New Castle County Head Start, Inc. welcomed 594 students for their first day of the 2013-2014 academic year on September 16. The federal and state-funded agency offers a comprehensive preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 from low-income families at 8 centers across New Castle County, Delaware.
Since March 1, 2013, when the federal sequester went into effect, Head Start programs across the country have been working to implement funding cuts in ways that minimize disruption to children and preserve high quality education services. The impact to New Castle County Head Start, Inc. was $208,642 or 40 enrollment spots, resulting in the loss of 2 classrooms. In anticipation of the funding cuts, New Castle County Head Start, Inc. pursued and secured funding in the amount of $120,700 from the State of Delaware’s Department of Education Early Childhood Assistant Program for one classroom, minimizing the sequester impact to a net loss of one Head Start classroom for the 2013-2014 academic year.
“The loss of two classrooms forced the closure of one of our centers, the Brandywine Center. We were fortunate to win a competitive grant from the State of Delaware but make no mistake about it, the early childhood community has been affected by sequestration," comments Executive Director Jeffrey E. Benatti. "We are very concerned about the direction of the federal government as another round of cuts looms in the sequestration’s second year. Many young at-risk children, including those with disabilities, need the services provided by Head Start to prepare for kindergarten and a long-term academic success. Federal officials must stop using our nation's neediest children as a strategy for budget negotiations.”
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. welcomes corporate and individual donations and volunteers. Donations may be made directly by check to New Castle County Head Start, Inc. or by direct designation through the United Way of Delaware. In Delaware, please use United Way of Delaware Agency code #439. In Pennsylvania, please use United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Agency Code #10608. Please call (302) 452-1500 for more information on volunteer opportunities.
Students from New Castle County Head Start, Inc.’s Bear center work together to complete puzzle.
A student from New Castle County Head Start, Inc.’s Bear center uses a computer for individual phonics instruction.
Students from New Castle County Head Start, Inc.’s Bear center participate in an art project.