Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $11,657,830 in federal funds to Webb County Commissioners for Head Start and Early Head Start Services in the region. Specifically, this year, the Webb County Commissioners was awarded $10,524,168 in federal funding through its yearly funding and $1,133,662 in supplemental federal funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Head Start plays an invaluable role in the overall development of a child’s well-being,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Head Start has proven to create better health outcomes, higher graduation rates and higher rates of academic and professional success in our community. Therefore, it’s imperative that the entities providing such services are adequately funded. This federal investment will not only help Webb County reach low-income families, but it will ensure that the program has the support it needs during these difficult times.

“As senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed in funding programs that create a strong foundation for every child to succeed. I’d like to thank Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, Commissioners Court, Director of Head Start Aliza Oliveros, and the rest of their team for their dedication in improving the quality of education and opportunities for children during their early-developmental years.”

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $11.6 billion for Head Start in the 2020 final spending bill, an increase of $1.5 billion from 2019. In addition, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $750 million in the CARES Act.

In Webb County, Head Start currently serves 1,218 children and Early Head Start serves 72 children. The Head Start program will serve Laredo, Rio Bravo, and El Cenizo while the Early Head Start program will serve the City of Laredo

Head Start/ Early Head Start

The Office of Head Start, under the Department of Health and Human Services, encompasses both Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Head Start program primarily serves preschool children, 3- and 4-year-old, and the Early Head Start program serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Head Start services are delivered nationwide through 1,600 agencies which tailor the federal program to the local needs of families in their service area.

Head Start programs prepare America’s most vulnerable young children to succeed in school and in life beyond school. To achieve this, Head Start programs deliver services to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way.