Congressman Derek Kilmer announced Wednesday more than $2.5 million in grant funding for local Head Start programs through the American Rescue Plan.

Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families by offering educational, nutritional, health, social, and other services.

“As a dad of two kiddos, I know how much our kids learn in the first few years of their life, and how important it is to their success down the road,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This critical funding will help ensure that our Head Start programs can continue preparing our kids for success and help parents get back to work.”

Head Start programs in Washington’s 6th Congressional District to receive funding through the American Rescue Plan include Educational Service District 113, which covers Mason and Grays Harbor counties, $514,495; the Quinault Indian Nation, $114,864; and the Olympic Educational Service District 114, serving the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas, $391,256.

The funding for Head Start comes in addition to the $632 million Kilmer secured to help Washington reopen child care providers safely, keep workers on payroll, and lower costs for families.

— The Daily World