Several Head Start preschools close as funding lapses

Head Start programs have begun to close around the country while the government shutdown extends into its second month.

Programs across 15 states and Puerto Rico have either fully or partially closed as of Monday afternoon, jeopardizing educational, nutritional, and developmental services for thousands of children across the United States. Head Start programs provide educational resources for kids up to age five from low-income households.

As the shutdown ties the record-long length of 35 days Tuesday, 140 Head Start programs still have not received federal funds, according to the National Head Start Association. While some programs have been boosted by local funds, over 8,000 children under the age of five are being impacted by the funding lapse as their preschools shut down along with the government.

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