Tester Announces $2.6 Million for CSKT’s Head Start Programs

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will receive $2.6 million to fund their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs through the next year.

“We must give the next generation of leaders the tools they need to thrive,” said Tester, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “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 access to resources so they flourish in the classroom.”

CSKT will receive $2,675,555 to fund early education initiatives that cater curriculum to Native American children. Tester secured the funding for CSKT’s Head Start and Early Head Start Programs through the Administration for Children and Families’ American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Grants Program.

Head Start and Early Head Start cover five major components: education, health, nutrition, parental involvement, and social services. Head Start and Early Head Start accept children ranging in age from newborns to 5.

In addition to preparing children for kindergarten, Head Start and Early Head Start provide complete health and nutrition screenings, and work with parents to develop childrearing skills.

CSKT’s Head Start Program began back in 1965 and has since expanded to include children from Polson, Ronan, St. Ignatius, Dixon, Arlee, Elmo, and Pablo.