Government shutdown to impact Wisconsin Head Start program

The ongoing federal government shutdown is set to impact Wisconsin Head Start programs significantly. According to the Wisconsin Head Start Association, two programs in the state will lose access to federal funds on Nov. 1, affecting 391 children. The Southwest Community Action Program plans to shut down its nine preschool classrooms by Nov. 3. The program serves families in Iowa, Lafayette, Grant, Green and Richland counties. Meanwhile, the Sheboygan Human Rights Association will use state supplements to maintain services through mid-November before likely suspending operations, according to a press release. Head Start programs across the nation serve over 700,000 children, relying on federal funds appropriated by Congress. The current shutdown means 130 programs serving more than 56,000 children are awaiting grants due Nov. 1.