Parents of young children in Mercer County may soon have access to additional resources thanks to a new round of federal funding.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday it will grant $4.7 million to Community Action of South Eastern West Virginia for its Head Start program in Mercer County.
Head Start is a federally funded program that provides early childhood education, nutrition and health resources across the United States. Its services are administered by state and local agencies.
The program is free for youth up to age 5, as well as their families. Head Start also offers services to support parents of young children.
In a press release Wednesday, Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., said the funding marked an important investment in the children of West Virginia.
“No matter their background, every child in the Mountain State deserves access to a quality education,” he said.