Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department has received two grants totaling $6,303,075 from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Head Start. The funding will help the Preschool Services Department operate an in-person summer school session to help prepare students for the beginning of kindergarten.

“Head Start programs are key to helping level the playing field and ensuring that every child has the chance for a high-quality early education. These programs also provide important resources to families, helping them set up long-term financial success. I’ll continue fighting for federal funding that gives families in San Bernardino County opportunities to succeed,” said Aguilar.

“The Preschool Services Department would like to thank Rep. Pete Aguilar and the members of congress for the funds on behalf of the children and families of San Bernardino County. The COVID Supplemental grant allows Preschool Services to provide an abundance of services aimed at addressing the extreme challenges faced by children and families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Services will include a safe, in-class summer school session for eligible children in San Bernardino County who desperately need support as they enter kindergarten during a very transitional period,” said Phalos Haire, Director of the Preschool Services Department.

A longtime advocate for early childhood education, one of Rep. Aguilar’s first jobs was working as a Head Start teacher’s aide. Aguilar serves on the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for allocating funding for federal agencies and programs.