Tester Secures More Than $1 Million for Fort Belknap Early Head Start

Funding will expand child care resources and access to early childhood education through Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $1,098,610 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funding to support Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships that will expand access to child care resources in the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

“For years, Early Head Start has provided critical services across the Treasure State that guarantee our kids are supported from the get-go,” Tester said. “These Child Care Partnerships ensure hard-working parents 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. Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships works with communities to increase Early Head Start and child care opportunities for infants, toddlers and their families. The partnerships also provide advanced health screenings to children ages three until kindergarten, provisions for diapers and formula, as well as access to family support services, such as home visits.

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.