Head Start program receives federal funds
The Molokai Head Start program got a shot in the arm from a $225,000 grant that will be given to Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono announce on Tuesday that this is part of $2,581,287 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grants that will support a wide-range of Native Hawaiian education programs throughout the island chain.
The MEO Head Start grant will also help programs on Lanai and Maui as well as Molokai. This funding is geared toward improving the quality of childcare in Maui County. The Head Start Early Learning Mentoring Coaches is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Congresswoman Hirono voted in favor of the Recovery Act in February 2009. President Barack Obama signed it into law that same month.
Head Start provides educational and health needs for low-income children and their families. Mentoring coaches who are well versed in early childhood education will help instruct Head Start teachers on how to improve their curriculum and test scores.
The funds will also go toward hiring substitute teachers and aides that will allow Head Start instructors to participate in the mentoring program. MEO operates 15 Head Start sites on Maui, Molokai, along with partnering with an agency on Lanai.
