Sheboygan County Head Start Faces Closure Amid Funding Crisis
URGENT UPDATE: Sheboygan County Head Start is on the brink of a major disruption, as classrooms are set to close on November 14 due to a funding crisis stemming from the ongoing federal government shutdown. Officials confirm that 80% of the program’s funding relies on federal sources, which have been frozen since the shutdown began on October 1.
At a meeting held on November 3, Theresa Christen-Liebig, executive director of the Sheboygan Human Rights Association, Inc. (SHRAI), revealed that the organization has not received any Head Start funding. Governor Tony Evers warned that 172 children and 48 staff members across the county could be impacted if the situation isn’t resolved swiftly.
The Sheboygan County Head Start program is crucial for providing free preschool services to income-eligible children, including those living below poverty levels, homeless, or in foster care. The program also supports Early Head Start, which serves pregnant women and children up to three years old. Since its introduction in 2016, this initiative has been vital for community resources and development.
As funding runs dry, SHRAI is actively seeking alternative sources to maintain services. A state supplemental grant is currently covering payroll until the impending closure, but this is a temporary solution. “We are reaching out to local foundations for emergency funding,” Christen-Liebig stated. Additionally, one landlord has waived rent for November, and other vendors have offered to defer payments. However, these measures are stopgap solutions, as the organization will still need to address future financial obligations.
The potential pause in services comes at an especially challenging time for families. “You get the kiddos to a point where they’re getting to know their surroundings and the rules and then you have this disruption,” Christen-Liebig expressed, highlighting the emotional toll on students.
Head Start not only prepares children for kindergarten but also provides essential daily meals and developmental screenings. The suspension of these services would critically impact families who rely on them. Brenda Zastrow, operations director for Head Start, noted that many families have no alternative support systems. “That’s the person they go to when they need something or just need to talk,” she said, referring to family advocates.
The ripple effects of the shutdown extend beyond Head Start. Jeff Pertl, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, indicated that the shutdown is causing widespread uncertainty. “How are folks going to make ends meet?” he questioned, as families face potential delays in SNAP benefits and other essential services.
Could the program reopen if the federal government reopens before November 14? It appears unlikely. Unlike SNAP, which has available funds, the Head Start program is hindered by the inability to process grants due to the government shutdown. “Once the contract runs out, there’s no staff to approve that,” Pertl explained.
Christen-Liebig revealed that the grant application for the Sheboygan County Head Start was submitted by the usual deadline of August 1, but communication regarding its status has ceased since the shutdown began. As the program enters a new five-year project period, it is unclear how long families will have to wait for funding resolution.
Governor Evers cautioned that if the shutdown continues, more Head Start programs across Wisconsin could face similar closures. Three programs await funding for December, and four for January, impacting over 2,350 children statewide.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with the Sheboygan Area School District to offer limited 4K programming through mid-December. This could support up to 85 children, allowing some continuity as families seek alternative care solutions.
For families in need of temporary childcare solutions, local resources include:
– Lakeshore Community Action Program: 920-682-3737
– Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County: 920-892-6706
– Family Connections: 920-457-1999
– Child Care Resource & Referral: 920-886-1211
– A Million Dreamz: 920-287-3092
As families brace for the possibility of disrupted services, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. The community is rallying to find solutions, but the clock is ticking. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
