Friday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) and Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) are receiving over $4 million for Head Start programs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding comes in the form of Head Start and Early Head Start grants with $3.18 million for BCIU and $1.68 million for CCIU.
Both intermediate units provide programs and services, including Head Start programs, to public and nonpublic schools in their respective counties. Head Start is an HHS program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.
“Head Start programs are essential for the growth and development of so many children in our community. I’m so thankful both BCIU and CCIU have such great programs in Berks and Chester Counties,” said Houlahan. “That’s why it’s important we ensure they have the tools they need to succeed, which will be done through this funding.”
“Building the foundation for development in social-emotional learning, health, and well-being is paramount to the success of our youngest learners. The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is grateful for the funding received from the Department of Health and Human Services in order to continue offering high-quality services and programs to our Berks County Head Start students and their families. Serving 430 children supported by federal funds across 30 classrooms, the Berks County Head Start Program focuses on supporting the growth and development of the whole child by working in partnership with families to address nutrition, parent engagement, social services, disabilities, and mental health. Through the federal government’s continued commitment to quality early childhood programs, the BCIU can offer these vital services to eligible children and families across Berks County. We are very fortunate to have the continued support of our Pennsylvania federal legislators and thank them for their recognition of the importance of early childhood education,” said Dr. Jill M. Hackman, BCIU Executive Director.
“We are so grateful for the Congressional Grant Award and Representative Houlahan’s support,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, CCIU Executive Director. “The CCIU serves 800 Head Start students throughout Chester County, and grants like this help to ensure that our youngest learners have access to the services they need and the education they deserve.”
Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.
