Virginia's Head Start programs avoid shutdown closures — for now
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All of Virginia's Head Start centers plan to stay open despite the shutdown jeopardizing some of their funding, state leaders tell Axios.
Why it matters: There's been uncertainty nationwide over what's happening to the federal program, which helps 750,000 kids and their families — including over 12,000 in Virginia — with free child care, early education and health screenings.
The big picture: A fraction of the program didn't receive their next federal grant because the shutdown extended past Saturday, according to the National Head Start Association.
- It's led multiple centers across the U.S. to announce closures.
- The grants renew on a staggered schedule, so different centers face funding cutoffs at the start of each month.
State of play: Jenna Conway, a deputy superintendent at the Virginia Department of Education, tells Axios the Saturday cutoff included grants to Hanover and Prince William County's public schools.
- But both districts have pledged to keep operations running and have contingency plans to temporarily front the costs, Conway says.
- Over 420 students are tied to those two programs, per district numbers shared with Axios.
Between the lines: The districts didn't share how long contingency plans will last, but a Hanover schools spokesperson told Axios they'll review monthly and "remain focused on supporting our youngest learners."
- A Prince William schools spokesperson said the district expects reimbursement once the government reopens.
Zoom out: While there aren't any Head Start closures in the state so far, Dawn Ault, executive director of Virginia Head Start Association, tells Axios that "conversations and planning are still underway" in case the shutdown drags on.
- The VDOE — which isn't directly involved in Head Start funding — is also keeping tabs on any potential disruptions, Conway says.