- Congressman to see how proposed funding cuts could impact over 3,000 low-income preschoolers in Fresno County -

(Fresno, CA) - Head Start programs around the nation are bracing for a potential cut in funding that would cripple the 47 year-old program and leave thousands of low-income children without the opportunity to properly prepare for kindergarten. Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will be touring Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) Romain Head Start at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 4. EOC’s Romain Head Start is located at 745 North First Street in Fresno.

Mr. Costa will see how early childhood education programs benefit disadvantaged children and their families, and will learn what cuts mean to Fresno County residents.

“As Congress debates our federal spending priorities, it is important to see first-hand where our tax dollars are going," said Congressman Costa. “This Friday, I will be visiting with the students, teachers, and staff of the Romain Head Start program in Fresno. Head Start programs across the country ensure our children get the support they need as they prepare for elementary school. Gutting programs like Head Start that provide critical educational, nutritional, and health services for our children does a disservice to Valley families."

“Fresno County is already considered one of the poorest counties in California; these cuts will devastate our community. If the proposed cuts are approved, it means approximately 676 low-income children will not be able to enroll in our program," says Tamala Olsby, EOC Head Start Director. “But the cuts run deeper. It also means about 120 employs – including teachers, caregivers, bus drivers, nurses and food preparation staff – will be laid off adding to our county’s already high unemployment rates."

Currently, EOC’s Head Start has over 3,000 preschoolers, ages 3 – 5, enrolled in the program and employs 560 individuals.

The program serves two purposes; it helps keep parents working and in school by providing child care, and prepares youngsters for kindergarten by introducing them to the concepts of words, numbers, and other pre-kindergarten skills. Moreover, children are provided with comprehensive medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services daily.

“Many of our Head Start participants have never seen a dentist or even a doctor because their parents simply cannot afford it," adds Olsby. “Our nurses have helped detect health problems before they became serious medical issues. It’s just one of the many ways our program helps disadvantaged families in Fresno County."

Members of the media are invited to tour Romain Head Start and learn more about the program and impact of proposed cuts. Please contact Yahaira Garcia-Perea with any questions at 263.1024.