WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today announced $3,918,369.00 in federal funding for the Newark Public Schools to strengthen their Head Start programs and early childhood services for children with special needs. The award was granted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"Every parent, regardless of income, wants their child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential," said Sen. Menendez. "That is why this federal funding is so important to support and expand Head Start programs and facilities that offer high-quality early childhood programs to children in Newark. I will continue fighting to ensure our children receive the necessary early learning services they need to become tomorrow's leaders."

"One of the best ways we can prepare our children for future success is by providing them with access to quality early education programs," said Sen. Booker. "This funding will support children in Newark and increase their odds to meet their full potential. Investing in our young people is essential if New Jersey is to contribute to our nation's competitiveness in a global economy."

Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social services and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services.

Head Start was founded as part of Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty in 1965. Since then, Head Start has grown from an eight-week demonstration project to include full day/year services and numerous program options. Head Start has served over 30 million children and their families in urban and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories.

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