The Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted the Bucks County Intermediate Unit funding for its Early Head Start and Head Start programs, writes Jeff Werner for the Patch.  

The five-year, $5,849,283 grant will be used to support Bucks Head Start’s mission to promote school readiness. The program offers health and nutrition services, early learning programs and family well-being resources.  

Head Start currently has 85 employees and serves around 362 families throughout the county.  

“Renewal of this grant reflects the federal government’s confidence in our program quality, systems, and outcomes,” said Dr. Roseanna Mitsch, Director of Early Childhood Programs.  

Without this federal grant renewal, both programs were at risk of shutting down. State Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick worked with the Bucks County IU to formulate a strategy to acquire the funding.  

After months of outreach efforts and campaigning, Fitzpatrick was able to secure the full renewal. 

“For decades, Head Start has been a cornerstone of opportunity in Bucks County. When I learned this renewal was at stake, I made it my mission to ensure these life-changing services would continue without interruption,” said Fitzpatrick. 

Learn how this funding will assist Bucks County families and sustain the Head Start programs in the Patch. 

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