At its Oct. 17 meeting, the San Antonio City Council approved an ordinance that would allow the San Antonio Department of Human Services to apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
If awarded, the funds will be used to continue the Preschool Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
To make a long story short
The City Council ordinance authorizes SADHS to submit and receive up to $31,458,000 in federal funds to be used between February 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026. According to city documents, SADHS will allocate $28,547,000 for preschool Head Start assistance. $2.91 million to support programs and Early Head Start programs.
Program funding will be provided by Edgewood ISD, San Antonio ISD, and Blessed Sacrament Academy for educational services, dental services from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, and health services from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Head Start programs serve children below the federal poverty line and prioritize the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care. The program’s mission is to prepare children and families for school and lifelong success.
Additionally, the ordinance passed by the City Council includes reducing the number of project staff from 114 to 110 due to budget constraints.
inside story
The city has received funding from the Head Start program, a federal program that promotes school readiness for children up to age 5 from low-income families, for 45 years.
According to city documents, the Head Start program provides early childhood education, family support, and comprehensive support services to eligible children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old and their families, creating an organization for the next generation of leaders. The focus is on development and development. .
The grant will fund the second year of a five-year project in the city. Funds will be used to cover operational costs, provide direct support to families and communities, mental wellness services and service provider operations.
