WASHINGTON D.C. – In a major win for early childhood education, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21) announced that Fresno and Tulare counties will receive a combined $45 million in federal funding to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
The investment will benefit thousands of young children from underserved families in the two-county region, helping to level the playing field and empower them to thrive in school.Â
“Investing in Head Start is an investment in our children’s future – because when our children succeed, America succeeds,” said Costa.
According to Costa, the funding will be awarded to the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) in Fresno County ($23.2 million) and the Tulare County Office of Education ($22.8 million). The programs promote school readiness for children from birth to age five by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development.
In a significant boost to Head Start programs nationwide, Costa helped secure a $1 billion increase in federal funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Additionally, $275 million was allocated for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which amounts to a COLA of nearly 2.3% for Head Start staff.
The announcement is welcome news for families and educators in Fresno and Tulare counties, where the funding will have a direct impact on early childhood education and development.
