Tester Announces More Than $1 Million for Great Falls Area Head Start

$1,096,128 grant will support Early Head Start program in Great Falls region

As part of his ongoing support for early childhood education, U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced $1 million in funding for Great Falls Early Head Start Program, serving kids in the greater Great Falls region.

“Head Start ensures that children across Montana have the educational, physical, and emotional support they need to thrive,” said Tester, a former school teacher. “Early childhood development provides students with a leg up and puts them on the path towards success. Head Start has a proven track record of results, and I will keep fighting to ensure that every Montana child has the resources they need to flourish in the classroom.”

The $1,096,128 in funding from the Administration for Children & Families was awarded to Opportunities, Inc., an organization that administers Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Programs. Specifically, Early Head Start programs provide multi-generational social services—everything from GED prep for parents to establishing bedtime routines for kids—that are individually tailored to families in the program.

Tester has been an ardent supporter of early childhood education programs. Through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has secured grants for Head Start and Early Head Start in Eastern Montana, Ravalli County, Central Montana, Bozeman, Butte, Billings, and Helena this year.