Head Start workers, family members, child advocates, residents and politicians of Stockton are holding a rally on August 14th from 11AM – 2PM at De Carli Waterfront Plaza, as a part of the National Day of Action to highlight the impact of sequestration cuts on Head Start programs in Stockton and throughout California.
Since 1965, as a part of the War on Poverty, Head Start has been a vital resource to communities that promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Sequestration cuts began on March 1, 2013, which resulted in $85 billion in across-the-board cuts. These cuts are a costly, self-inflicted wound to our economy and the middle class. Head Start, along with other non-defense discretionary programs make up only 3.4% of the federal budget, but the cuts are far-reaching and jeopardize the growth and development of too many children.
According to the Director of the Office of Head Start, Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, “we expect enrollment reductions, as well as workforce reductions, particularly in the upcoming program year” (Fuentes, 2013.)
Office of Head Start estimates that the $400 million in cuts to Head Start in FY2013 will result in 70,000 fewer children served. San Joaquin County serves approximately 3,000 children through the Head Start program every year.
Head Start programs will experience 5% cuts that can come in the form of:
· Reduction of hours the school is open.
· Staff reductions
· Enrollment reductions for students
In a time when early childhood education is known to be a key factor that leads to success for children and adds value to our communities, it should be a service we fight to maintain. Speakers will include parents, students, elected officials and child advocates from the Stockton community. The rally will emphasize the need for action so that Stockton continues to build healthy communities, especially for the most vulnerable in our society: Our children.