Aguilar announces $66.4 million for San Bernardino County Head Start programs

REDLANDS, Calif. — More than $66 million in federal funding will support Head Start and Early Head Start programs across San Bernardino County, including centers serving families in Redlands.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, announced this week that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $66,447,189 to San Bernardino County Preschool Services to continue providing early childhood education and family support services for eligible families.

According to the county, the annual grant funds Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving more than 2,000 children and their families through kindergarten entry. In addition to preschool education, the programs provide health screenings, family engagement services and connections to resources that address food insecurity, housing needs and employment opportunities.

"All children in the Inland Empire deserve accessible, quality early childhood education and the life-changing impacts it can have," Aguilar said in a statement. "During my time as a Head Start teacher's aide, I saw firsthand how building a strong educational foundation from an early age can set children up for success in school and beyond."

Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe said the funding represents the county's annual federal support for its Preschool Services Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

"These programs serve more than 2,000 children and their families through entry into kindergarten and provide educational, health, and family engagement services," Rowe said in a statement. "Additionally, Preschool Services works with other county departments and community agencies to help families navigate food and housing insecurity and maximize career opportunities to achieve economic stability."

San Bernardino County operates multiple Head Start sites throughout the region, including centers on North Center Street and Sixth Street in Redlands.

Head Start serves children from low-income families from birth to age 5 by offering classroom-based and home-based early learning programs designed to promote school readiness and healthy development.

The funding was awarded through the Administration for Children and Families' Office of Head Start within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.