Tester Secures More Than $3 Million for Great Falls Head Start and Early Head Start

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

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $3,296,086 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funding to continue providing Head Start and Early Head Start early education opportunities and child care services in Great Falls.

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

The funding comes from the Administration for Children and Families, which oversees Head Start programs across Montana. Great Fall Head Start currently serves 315 children from ages three to five, providing comprehensive child development programming. Along with preschool and infant care, Great Falls Head Start also offers access to advanced health screenings and daily meals for enrolled children.

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.