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Feds urge Early Head Start in the CNMI
The federal government encourages the CNMI Public School System to implement not just the Head Start program but also the Early Head Start as well to expand services to more children on the islands.
This was what Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan and PSS Head Start program director Melissa Palacios reported to the Board of Education at a recent meeting, although both admitted that implementing these steps are unlikely at this time due to concerns such as inadequate funding to run the new program in public schools.
The Early Head Start program caters to children from birth to 3 years old and is partnered with childcare centers. The target enrollment for this program is about 300 students.
Sablan disclosed that PSS, in its initial inquiry about the program years back, was made aware that federal grants allocated for the Early Head Start is only about $50,000, with many requirements for implementation.
Sablan said that PSS can explore the program one more time if the board wishes it to.
The Obama administration has proposed new investments that will establish a continuum of high-quality early learning for children beginning at birth and continuing to age 5. The President’s proposal includes providing access to high-quality infant and toddler care through Early Head Start-child care partnerships; expanding voluntary home visits to support vulnerable families; and developing a new partnership with states to provide voluntary, high-quality, full-day preschool for all 4-year-olds from families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
PSS currently handles the Head Start Program in the CNMI. It is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from low-income families with ages from birth to 5.
Recently, the federal government through the Office of Head Start within the Administration of Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services approved PSS to continue running the Head Start program for the next five years. The federal government provides funding for 367 students.
