Head Start programs operated by the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission are continuing to operate, even as other programs in California and across the nation have been forced to close due to the lack of funding resulting from the U.S. government shutdown.

Michael Balderas, director of Fresno EOC’s Head Start 0 to 5 program, released this statement to GV Wire on Monday: “”Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) Head Start 0 to 5 remains fully operational and continues to serve children and families without interruption. We are closely monitoring the current situation and are in communication with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) to receive weekly updates.

“Our priority is to ensure stability for children and families who depend on Head Start 0 to 5 for essential education, nutrition, and family support. We are committed to keeping our families, staff, and community informed. Should there be any changes in services, funding, or other impacts, we will be transparent and share that information as soon as it becomes available.”

Media outlets in California have reported the closure of the Head Start program in Santa Cruz County, and the possible closure this month of programs in the Central Valley, Northern California, and Los Angeles because of the lack of federal funding.

Head Starts received their federal grants on a rotating monthly basis, so programs are not funded simultaneously. However, they are all served by the same federal workforce that has been without a paycheck since Oct. 1.

Head Start Serves Kids Ages 0 to 5

Head Start, which was created in 1965 as an eight-week summer program and gradually expanded to become year-round, was designed to give low-income children and their families an educational and socialization boost through a free childcare program. Head Start Preschool is for 3- and 4-year-old children. There are also Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

Fresno EOC’s Head Start enrollments have been shrinking in recent years as local school districts expand their pre-K and T-K classes.

According to a report to the Fresno EOC Board of Commissioners in August, the program is funded for 2,120 enrollees, 1,690 in the Head Start program and 430 in the Early Head Start program. The actual enrollments in Head Start was 919 with 37 drops; in Early Head Start the actual enrollment was 324 with 77 drops, the report said.

In an interview with ABC30, Balderas encouraged families to apply for the Head Start openings. Information is available at this link.

According to the August report, the Fresno EOC Head Start programs’ federal funding this year totals $47.7 million.