Gottheimer announces more than $4 million for Ringwood Head Start

RINGWOOD — The N.J. Department of Health and Human Services will award a $4,228,211 grant to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs through the Center for Family Resources in Ringwood.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) announced the grant, calling it “a win for our children, our families and for our community’s return on investment from the federal government.
“Head Start invests in our children early to set them up for success. We know that every dollar for Head Start returns $7 to $9,” he continued. “By clawing back more of the tax dollars that we have already sent to Washington, we can save locally to boost affordability and the quality of life for New Jersey families and businesses.
“I’m proud that the Fifth District has already clawed back $290 per household from the federal government, a 16 percent improvement over recent years.”
The Center for Family Resources is a nonprofit that offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs to eligible children up to age 5, and to pregnant mothers. Through its partnerships with local schools and community centers, it foster comprehensive student and family development at nine different sites across Passaic County, including Ringwood and West Milford.
Head Start programs focus on young children from low-income families from birth to age 5, enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development ,and improving their education outcomes. The programs increase rates of high school graduation, boost college attendance and foster positive parenting practices throughout a student’s participation.