The Head Start program within the Niagara Falls City School District is set to receive a significant boost with over $2 million in federal funding. Congressman Tim Kennedy announced the funding on Monday, which will be used to expand the program and provide additional support for young children in the community.
The federal funding will primarily be allocated towards adding more classes for children as young as 1-years-old. This expansion aims to ensure that more children have access to early education and development opportunities. Additionally, a portion of the funding will be used to support the salaries of staff members, allowing for the growth of class sizes and the provision of quality education.
What sets the Head Start program in Niagara Falls apart from others is its close integration with the city school district. This unique partnership enables the district to closely monitor and track the progress of the program. Superintendent Mark Laurrie highlighted the positive impact of the program, citing a study conducted by the district that revealed children who participate in Head Start have better attendance rates and higher test scores.
Laurrie further emphasized the long-term benefits of the program, stating that the first group of Head Start students in Niagara Falls are now in sixth grade. This demonstrates the lasting impact of early education on a child's academic journey.
Currently, the Head Start program in Niagara Falls offers five classes for 1 and 2-year-old children. With the additional funding, Superintendent Laurrie hopes to expand the program to include seven classes, accommodating more children and providing them with a strong foundation for future success.
Laurrie expressed his belief in the transformative power of investing in early education, stating, "That investment young certainly makes them better students."
He also emphasized the need for continued outreach and information dissemination to ensure that families are aware of the opportunities available through the Head Start program.
The federal funding injection into the Head Start program in Niagara Falls is a significant step towards enhancing early education and providing vital support to young children in the community. The Niagara Falls City School District remains committed to expanding access to quality education and nurturing the potential of every child.
As the program continues to grow, it is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the educational outcomes and future prospects of the children in Niagara Falls.