'It's devastating:' Uncertain future ahead for Head Start programs
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — "Head Start" focuses on education and life skills, serving as a vital resource for early childhood development. Now, the future of their programming is uncertain due to the government shutdown.
"It's a hard spot. I was in the classroom. I've worked with the families. I've seen what poverty looks like, and I think we are one of the great tools to help combat that," said Curtiss Mays, President of the Oklahoma Head Start Directors Association.
The majority of funding for "Head Start" comes from the federal level, it serves dozens of communities across Oklahoma.
However, as things in Washington remain frozen, four of their centers could be out of money on November 1, should the government remain shut down.
Mays told News 4, "There are some programs that our fiscal year starts 11/1, and they go to 10/31. And so in this case, those programs are largely in areas that have rural programs."
Two out of the four have tribal support from the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations.
They both sent statements to our newsroom about the future of their programs.
“Federal funding and grants provide important support for some Choctaw Nation programs. However, we do not expect the shutdown to affect services for our Tribal members,” Batton said. “Prudent financial management and strategic planning have allowed us to be in a strong position despite the situation at the federal level.”
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton
“At some point, the situation will be resolved. Once Congress enacts an approved budget, any programs temporarily interrupted will once again be available. Until then, Choctaw Nation activities will continue as usual. Indian Health Services (IHS) funding is granted in advance for the fiscal year, so we do not expect funding of those programs to be impacted.”
"Cherokee Nation continues serving its citizens as the federal government remains in shutdown. Our doors are open, our services continue, and our focus remains on protecting children and families who depend on essential programs.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Our immediate concern is maintaining the flow of federal funding that supports programs like Head Start, WIC and LIHEAP and other services that impact our most vulnerable. While tribes rely on federal dollars for many services, including food assistance, education, and public safety, Cherokee Nation's forward funding model for health care and careful financial management help protect our citizens from the worst impacts. We have contingency plans in place should the shutdown extend, but such measures come at a cost to Cherokee Nation, these are costs that should never fall on tribal nations when the federal government is truly honoring its treaty and trust responsibilities.
We urge Congress and the Administration to end this impasse and reopen the U.S. Government. Every day of delay threatens programs that help Cherokee families stay healthy and safe. Cherokee Nation will continue to serve our people, but the federal government must honor its commitments and fulfill its responsibilities.”
Mays said their team is working with the other two programs to try and help them as they fight to continue operating.
"Our families feel safe dropping their children off with us, to work with them, to work with their children. If they're not able to do that and they're not able to go to work, that hurts," Mays added.