From left to right, the Bucks IU Administrative Team of Dr. Mark Hoffman, Dr. Lenny Greaney, Dr. Roseanna Mitsch, Rebecca Roberts-Malamis, Esq., and Alison Bilohlavek met with PA State Representative Brian Fitzpatrick in Washington DC to discuss the need and urgency of Head Start program funding. (Credit: Bucks IU)
Federal officials have granted a one-month extension of funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in the area, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit announced Saturday afternoon.
The programs, which are operated by the intermediate unit, faced closure at the end of May due to the expiration of their current five-year grant and a delay in the decision for the next funding cycle.
The potential shutdown sparked community outrage after the news broke late last week.
According to the intermediate unit, the temporary funding will allow the programs to continue operating through the end of June. The current five-year grant, awarded in 2020, is set to expire on May 31.
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit submitted its application for the next five-year grant on Jan. 2 and is awaiting a decision from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.
“This short-term funding ensures these essential services can continue for the remainder of the current school year while a decision on a longer-term grant award is still pending,” the Bucks County Intermediate Unit statement said.
It was unclear why federal officials initially did not approve the next round of funding before the current grant’s expiration. The yearly grant that funds the program is $5.8 million, according to the intermediate unit.
Dr. Mark Hoffman, executive director of the intermediate unit, expressed hope for a longer-term solution.
“We remain hopeful that a new, five-year competitive grant award will follow soon,” said Hoffman. “We’re grateful for the advocacy efforts of our federal legislators, our county legislative delegation, and, of course, our families and staff members. Our attention remains focused on securing a new five-year grant award. We stand ready, if awarded a new five-year grant, to provide Head Start programming for Bucks County students and families for years to come. We encourage our community to continue advocacy efforts in support of this pending application.”
The Office of Head Start confirmed this week that all eligible grant applications, including the intermediate unit, have been reviewed by an independent panel. Final award decisions are expected by the summer.
The intermediate unit has operated the Head Start program in Bucks County since 2015.
Officials said Head Start focuses on early learning, health, nutrition, and family services.
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded initiatives focused on school readiness for low-income children.
The potential closure in Bucks County happened amid reports of possible nationwide cuts to the Head Start program under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Bucks County IU announced closure of program last week
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) first announced last week that Head Start and Early Head Start programs are scheduled to close at the end of May because of federal funding cuts.
The programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has seen drastic cuts from the Trump administration’s attempts to revamp federal spending.
“The Bucks IU’s program currently serves approximately 362 children and their families across Bucks County and employs 85 staff members,” Bucks IU said.
“Our commitment to early childhood education is unwavering,” said Dr. Mark Hoffman, executive director of the Bucks IU. “We remain in ongoing communication with our federal partners to understand what lies ahead and to ensure we are ready to resume services as soon as funding is confirmed.”
The Bucks IU Administrative Team has met with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, representatives of US Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, and contacted other elected officials, including the Bucks County state legislative delegation and the Bucks County Commissioners, to request assistance and raise awareness.
Families of the children enrolled in the program face massive changes as soon as the programs end because they depend on Head Start as part of their daily routines.
“Without this program, I would not be able to work, my child wouldn’t get any social exposure, and we wouldn’t have made the friends we love,” said Megan Corlew, a parent of a current Head Start student. “My son has learned so much—from emotional regulation to jumping and dancing. Without this program, we’d be lost.”
“The Head Start program has helped my children get ready for kindergarten and beyond,” said Alice Bowens, a parent of two enrolled children. “My daughter now speaks more clearly, loves books, and looks forward to school every day. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity this program has given our family.”
Bucks IU said it “received informal communication on April 16 suggesting temporary funding might continue through the end of this school year,” but “no official written confirmation has been issued as of this release.”
