Tester Secures More than $1.6 Million for Early Head Start in Butte

Funding will provide child care resources and access to early childhood education for young families

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $1,654,648 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds for AWARE, Inc. to continue providing Head Start early education opportunities and child care services in Butte.

“For years, Head Start has provided critical services across the Treasure State that guarantee our kids are supported from the get-go,” Tester said. “These funds will ensure hard-working parents have access to quality, affordable child care and give the next generation of Butte students the tools they need to succeed.”

The funding comes from the Administration for Children and Families, which oversees Head Start programs across Montana. AWARE Early Head Start provides pregnant women and young families with children through the age of three with child care, mental health and disability services. In 2020, AWARE Head Start programs served over 230 families in Butte-Silver Bow, Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, Yellowstone and Jefferson counties.

As a former elementary school teacher and school board member, and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester has been a longtime champion for Head Start programs in Montana. Earlier this year, he secured more than $5.3 million in American Rescue Plan grant funding to support Head Start Programs across the state.