Services for Head Start students will continue as usual through a new program called Early Start, Prince George's County Public Schools announced Friday.
The decision comes amid outrage and scandal in Prince George's County Public Schools and the Head Start program.
The Early Start program will serve 855 students, have certified instructors and a high-quality curriculum at a total of 35 sites, schools officials said. Students will have the same instructors, program sites, transportation services and school meals. In addition, parents will now have new mental health, nutrition and resources. Officials also started that there will be increased monitoring and a more intense staff screening to focus on safety and disciplinary concerns.
“No services will be cut, no Head Start sites will be closed and all students will continue to be served. That was our goal from the beginning,” said Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell.
“We are pleased to provide continuity and stability for students and families, and enhance student safety at all sites.”
The Administration for Children and Families continued to fund the Head Start Program. Now, the remaining costs for the Early Start program will be covered through a combination of a hiring freeze and getting rid of 19 central-office Head Start positions.
The Administration for Children and Families released the following statement on Friday:
The Administration for Children and Families is committed to continuing the $6.4 million Head Start investment in Prince George’s County to support the delivery of high-quality services to low-income families and children. Community Development Institute Head Start (CDI Head Start) will serve as the interim provider of a full range of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Prince George’s County for children from birth to five. The Administration for Children and Families will initiate a competitive process to identify a permanent Head Start and Early Head Start provider in Prince George’s County.
