Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the federal
government is providing $726,985 for American Samoa’s Head Start program.
“The funding will be provided by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human
Services,” Congressman Faleomavaega said. “American Samoa’s Department
of Education will receive the funds and will be responsible for the management
and distribution of the funds.”
“These funds are discretionary, meaning that at the discretion of
Congress, the Federal government provides regions with allotted sums of
money to address local needs. In the case of the Head Start program,”
Congressman Faleomavaega said, “the Region IX Office for Children and Families
is responsible for American Samoa.”
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides the region
with operational funds and, in turn, the region provides American Samoa
with basic and expansion funds to operate the Head Start program in American
Samoa. In other words,” Congressman Faleomavaega said, “American
Samoa does not have to compete for these dollars. We have to apply,
but we don’t have to compete.”
“As long as Congress continues to support the Head Start program,
American Samoa will continue to receive base funds plus additional dollars
for quality improvement and cost of living adjustments,” Congressman Faleomavaega
said. “This is why you can be assured that the Head Start program
has my full support. I am firmly committed to continuing my service
to the people of American Samoa to see that the needs of our Territory
are met and addressed.”
“Approximately 1,500 children in American Samoa are enrolled in
the Head Start program,” Congressman Faleomavaega. “Head Start provides
for the needs of children between the ages of three to five years old.
Head Start offers a variety of comprehensive services, including health
and nutrition, parental involvement, family and community partnerships,
and child development.”
“I want to commend the work of our local leaders and all those serving
in the Head Start program. I thank you for your continued commitment
to our children,” Congressman Faleomavaega said. “Together, we are
strengthening Samoa.” |
![[United States Congress]](congress.gif)
