The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that 59% of 3 to 5 year olds attend preschool. Preschool is essential for children as they develop in order for them to learn social, emotional, and behavioral skills.
Howard County’s Community Action Council’s (CAC) helps to provide preschool services for families around the county. Their mission is “to diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency for all Howard County individuals, families, and children in need.” CAC provides five different service programs, one of which is its Early Childhood Education program.
Currently, Early Childhood Education (ECE) classrooms serve children ages six weeks to five years old. There are five ECE centers located throughout Howard County where full-day, full-year services are provided.
This summer, CAC received a five-year, $12.6 million grant from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. This grant provides much-needed resources for CAC to expand its Early Childhood Education services.
It allocates funds for CAC to provide 140 additional early learning seats for children, allowing more families to benefit from Early Childhood Education services. Furthermore, the grant also officially designated Howard County’s CAC as an Early Head Start program for the first time ever.
During the announcement of this historic grant, Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball stated, “At a time when many childhood programs are facing uncertainty across the country, this grant brings hope and opportunity to our most vulnerable residents.”
The grant also provides resources for CAC to offer Early Head Start programs for children as young as six weeks old. This is the first time in Howard County history that CAC is providing education for young infants and toddlers.
According to the Howard County press release, CAC parent Titolola Tanimowo experiences the positive impact of this new grant in her everyday life. “My youngest daughter is one of the first two-year-olds in CAC’s Early Head Start classrooms. She’s thriving—and so am I,” says Tanimowo.
Additionally, families who receive Head Start services are eligible for all of CAC’s services. They can access the Food Bank, weatherization services, energy assistance, and housing assistance.
CAC also provides family success coaching to help families build stability while their children are learning in ECE classrooms. The interconnectedness of all of CAC’s services provides security, support, and encouragement for families and individuals.
U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, Sarah Elfreth is optimistic about the program.
“The power of Head Start is undeniable to anyone who spends time with their bright, precocious, and curious kids,” she said. “When Maryland kids participate in Head Start, they are more likely to succeed in school, graduate from high school, and go on to complete college.”
