FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2023
Silver Spring, MD — Easterseals DC MD VA Early Head Start is closing the achievement gap for preschoolers from low-income families in the District of Columbia with the help of a $25,000 grant from the Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation. At no cost to qualifying families, Early Head Start at Easterseals provides year-round preschool to children ages 0-3 years old. The foundation’s investment offsets the many essential programmatic costs not covered by federal funding.
Easterseals DC MD VA serves children of all abilities with Early Head Start (ages 0-3) and Head Start (ages 3-5), two programs that provide high-quality child development services at no cost to qualifying families in Southern Prince George's County, Maryland and the District of Columbia, Ward 5.
According to the National Head Start Association’s 2022 National Fact Sheet, Head Start children are 12% less likely to live in poverty when they become adults and 29% less likely to receive public assistance.
Among currently enrolled Easterseals DC MD VA Head Start families, 25% are homeless and 100% are low-income. Easterseals’ holistic approach to service means that Head Start and Early Head Start children and their families receive customized support to promote long-term wellness. Children receive healthy meals, access to dental and medical exams, and developmental screenings. In the classroom, qualified teachers provide a comprehensive curriculum to promote school readiness. Easterseals Family Advocates also work with parents to achieve their individual goals of housing stability, employment, continued education, mental healthcare, and more.
Because parents are active leaders in their child’s development and education, Easterseals two-generation approach prepares both children and parents for successful futures.
“Early Head Start promotes childhood education and wellness among the very youngest children, regardless of family income,” says Jonathan Horowitch, Easterseals DC MD VA President & CEO. “The Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation helps Easterseals close this achievement gap as part of our vision for a hopeful, inclusive community where all people realize their potential and live meaningful lives.”
Visit Easterseals Head Start Programs to learn more and enroll online for Early Head Start.
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Easterseals DC MD VA – Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Join us: www.eseal.org.
Contact: Lauren Poon, Manager of Communications & Marketing, lpoon@eseal.org
