The Maryland Congressional Delegation announced more than $5 million in federal funds for early childhood education and head start programs around the state.

In total, $5,382,250 in federal funding is coming to several early childhood education programs and managing organizations throughout the state, including the Head Start of Washington County, Board of Education of St. Mary’s County Public Schools, and the Community Action Council of Howard County’s Head Start projects. The funds are intended to be used to expand early learning opportunities, development, health services and family well-being for Head Start families.

The $5,382,250 award comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child Care and the Office of Head Start.

“The pandemic has only exacerbated the preexisting achievement gap in our schools,” the Maryland Congressional Delegation said. “It is essential that we give all children the chance to succeed by increasing their access to learning from an early age. We will continue to secure federal funding for education programs like Head Start to help more students across Maryland reach their full potential.”

Funding will be distributed as follows:

• $3,006,063 to the Head Start of Washington County
• $1,276,999 to the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County Public Schools
• $1,099,188 to the Community Action Council of Howard County Head Start Projects

Access the full press release on from the Maryland Congressional Delegation.

Read more about the early Head Start and Early Head Start programs and services.