Tester Secures Nearly $2 Million for Butte Head Start Programs

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

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $1,960,453 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds to continue providing Head Start early education opportunities and child care services in Butte.

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

The funding comes from the Administration for Children and Families, which oversees Head Start programs across Montana. Butte Head Start currently serves over 180 children ages three to five across two facilities in Butte providing comprehensive child development programming. Along with preschool and infant care, Butte 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.