Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the County of San Bernardino Preschool Services Department received $2,201,714 from the US Department of Health and Human Services Head Start and Early Head Start Grant Program. The funds will be used for workforce retention and training programs for Head Start teachers in San Bernardino County.

 

“One of my first jobs was working as a Head Start teacher’s aide, so I’ve seen firsthand what a difference qualified teachers can make in the lives of their students, and this grant will help make sure our Head Start teachers have the training they need to succeed. I’ll always fight for funding to make sure our region’s early-childhood education programs can meet the needs of Inland Empire families,” said Rep. Aguilar.

 

“The Preschool Services Department would like to thank Rep. Pete Aguilar and the members of Congress for the funds on behalf of the families that we serve. The Head Start and Early Head Start funds will better equip Head Start teachers with training in trauma-informed care, a critical tool in being responsive to a myriad of childhood behaviors. Additionally, much needed workforce retention efforts are strengthened by these funds,” said Phalos Haire, Director of the Preschool Services Department for the County.

 

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for funding federal programs like Head Start and Early Head Start.