Lynn, MA – The Healy-Driscoll Administration announced that it is awarding $15 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Head Start State Supplemental Grants to 28 organizations that offer Head Start and Early Head Start across Massachusetts. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw visited Leo Inc. Head Start in Lynn, to hear from educators and families directly, and see the impact of the program, supporting over 15,000 children and childhood professionals. Other notable guests included Mayor Nicholson, Senator Crighton, Rep. Cahill, and Rep. Armini.  

The priority of these grants is to focus on workforce development supports and enhance program quality. Grant funds additionally support items such as salaries, compensation and benefits to address retention and recruitment, as well as supporting programs providing comprehensive services for children and their families. These grant funds also provide direct support for Head Start and Early Head Start grantees to assist them in meeting their 20% non-Federal matching funds requirement.

"Head Start is a vital lifeline for over 11,000 vulnerable young children and their families in Massachusetts, providing access to high-quality early education and comprehensive services that children and families need to thrive. MHSA is grateful for the Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and the Department of Early Education and Care for supporting Head Start programs through the Supplemental Grant,” said Massachusetts Head Start Association (MHSA) Executive Director Michelle Haimowitz.

Massachusetts Head Start Association is a non-profit membership organization, providing support and advocacy for the 28 Massachusetts Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the Commonwealth.  Read the full press-release from the Department of Early Education and Care HERE.