Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP) Head Start has received $978,113 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These funds will support Head Start services to low-income children under the age of 5 in the five counties of the Big Sandy Area, Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike.

Nationally, $750 million has been designated for Head Start programs to support preventative, preparedness, and response activities related to the coronavirus through the CARES Act. Funds will be released directly to all 1,600 local Head Start and Early Head Start programs, including tribal programs, in every state and territory beginning this week.

“President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help supplement human services during this crisis,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “This $750 million for Head Start will help ensure that children and families who rely on the program continue receiving services like meals, health screenings, and pre-K education where possible. As we move toward safely reopening, it only grows more important that we support vulnerable families and children whose lives have been disrupted by the virus and its economic effects.”

“We know that investing in programs that use a whole family approach to learning and development can be pivotal to the success of children and families,” said Lynn Johnson, assistant secretary for the Administration for Children and Families. “During this pandemic, it is important to support programs that enrich and enlighten children, families, and communities as they work towards their goals and make concentrated efforts to improve their future post the pandemic.”

With the health and safety of each child as the highest priority, BSACAP Head Start plans to use the CARES Act funding to safely resume services this fall through smaller class size and Healthy at School practices. All staff will be trained in infectious disease management and appropriate social distancing for preschool-aged children. In addition, BSACAP Head Start will be able to provide critical support to enrolled children and families, including mental wellness support and connection to community resources.

Learn more about BSACAP Head Start at www.bsacapheadstart.com.

Head Start is currently recruiting children and families for fall enrollment.

Contact us at:
Floyd County Head Start – 886-4555
Johnson County Head Start – 789-2511
Paintsville City Head Start – 789-2651
Magoffin County Head Start – 349-3488
Martin County Head Start – 395-5900
Pike County Head Start – 433-9315
Model City Head Start – 432-7448

Find additional information about Head Start programming specific to this public health crisis on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/coronavirus.