Kilmer Announces Grant for Head Start and Early Head Start in Kitsap
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) announced that Kitsap County won a grant for Head Start and Early Head Start. Over $3 million will go to Kitsap Community Resources, which runs local Head Start programs.
The Head Start program helps children up to five years old from low-income families prepare to be successful in school. 3-and 4-year olds make up over 80 percent of the participants, learning new skills to promote literacy and learning along with other practices to encourage their development. Early Head Start programs are set up to serve children under 3.
“This is good news because it means more kids in Kitsap will get off to a good start,” said Kilmer. “Head Start provides a place for kids to learn valuable skills from talented educators while having fun and building new friendships. This will help us close the achievement gap, ensuring that kids – regardless of their background – have an opportunity to thrive when they enter a classroom.”
“Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) was pleased to receive notice of award to continue our Head Start and Early Head Start programs for the year beginning July 1, 2017,” said Larry Eyer, Kitsap Community Resources Executive Director. “We have a proud history of helping our community’s kids and this investment will help continue that tradition.”
Kitsap Community Resources will use the investments to provide at least 224 children from low-income families in Kitsap County with comprehensive pre-school services at no cost. Those services will include nutritious meals, health screenings and access, and special needs intervention. Kitsap Community Resources has provided Head Start services in the area for over 50 years.