Tester Announces $1.3 Million for Northern Cheyenne Head Start

Senator: “Head Start makes a huge difference in the lives of kids and families in Indian Country”

As part of his ongoing effort to expand access to childcare and early childhood education across Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $1.3 million in funding for the Northern Cheyenne Head Start program in Lame Deer.

Tester secured the $1,385,276 grant to provide education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children through the Children and Families’ American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Grants Program.

“Head Start makes a huge difference in the lives of kids and families in Indian Country,” Tester said. “These funds will provide students with a real leg up, and are a true lifeline for kids and families who will benefit from the tools and resources Head Start provides to grow and enter school ready to learn.”

Head Start provides Pre-K preparation, daily meals, and advanced health screenings to children ages three through kindergarten.

As a former teacher and school board member, Tester has consistently fought for education initiatives in Indian Country, and has championed Head Start programs through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee. In recent government funding negotiations, he secured more than $10 billion for Head Start Programs nationwide, an increase of more than $550 million over the previous year. He also recently announced a grant of nearly $1.5 million for Missoula Head Start and more than $3 million for Ravalli Head Start and Early Head start programs.