Scott Secures Funding for Local Head Start Program

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, helped secure $1.5 million for the Hampton Roads Community Action Program's Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and comprehensive support to at-risk children and families.

The funding was provided as part of the American Rescue Plan. The Hampton Roads Community Action Program will use these resources primarily to ramp up family support, recruitment and enrollment efforts, mental health support for children and families, and staff wellness.

"For more than half a century, Head Start has been supporting at-risk young children and families with quality preschool and critical services, including comprehensive health, nutrition, and family engagement services.Those supports have become even more vital during the pandemic," said Chairman Scott. "Our community is stronger when all children and families have the foundation they need to succeed. This investment will help the Hampton Roads Community Action Program continue conducting its vital work to prepare children for lifelong success."

"HRCAP Head Start program has been the pillar in the community for supporting families through crisis situations since 1965. During the pandemic our staff implemented initiatives to provide meals, virtual instruction, and supportive services to over 1,200 families. The American Rescue Plan funds will allow us to enhance our services to successfully transition children back to in-person learning and support parents in re- establishing their employment, education, and career goals,"said Edith White, Executive Director at Hampton Roads Community Action Program.

The funding for Head Start comes in addition to $39 billion secured under the American Rescue Plan to help provide financial relief to child care providers and lower costs for hardworking families.