‘It creates a lot of uncertainty’: Head Start in Berks reacts to budget impasse | Berks Regional News

READING, Pa. – Organizations fearing federal and state funds drying up include ones serving children.

“Head Start serves the most vulnerable population,” said Mandy Gerhard, director at Head Start, Berks County Intermediate Unit.

As the organization celebrates 60 years serving the community, it issues an urgent warning about the impact the ongoing state budget impasse and federal government shutdown will have on early childhood education.

“The BCIU board of directors approved up to $27 million in a ran and loans to fund the program so we do not have to close our doors, but again, this is not a long-term solution,” Gerhard said.

In Pennsylvania, Head Start serves over 35,000 children.

“We support children and families that are living at or below the federal poverty level or experiencing some other challenges,” Gerhard said.

According to the Pennsylvania Head Start Association, some classrooms have already been forced to close.

“It creates a lot of uncertainty for our children, our families, our staff,” Gerhard said. “It’s just a very unsettling time.” 

While in Berks, they’re doing their best to stay open.

“We are urging that, you know, we pass the budget so we can keep things moving in the right direction for our children and our families,” Gerhard said.