WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $6,922,427 to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs at La Casa de Don Pedro in Newark, New Jersey.

"It is absolutely vital that our youngest New Jerseyans get a head start on crucial educational and social development so they are not behind when they reach kindergarten and beyond," said Senator Menendez. “Investments in childhood development and education like this not only help our children thrive, but also help our nation prosper in the global economy. I am very pleased that La Casa de Don Pedro is receiving this infusion of funding to ensure continuity and responsiveness to the children and families they serve every day."

"Each and every child in New Jersey, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status, deserves access to a quality early education in order to help them reach their full potential,” said Senator Booker. "This federal investment will help provide our youngest students the tools they need to succeed well into the future. I commend La Casa de Don Pedro for their commitment to helping create equal educational opportunities for all.”

La Casa de Don Pedro is a community based development corporation located in Newark, N.J. and each year serves more than 50,000 children, individuals and families underserved communities throughout Greater Newark and Essex County.

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 and Early 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.

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