Press Releases

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.—Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced $2,494,531 for the Niagara Falls City School District to continue the operation of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The funding is awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.

“Head Start helps to level the playing field, providing early learning and development skills that aid in school readiness,” said Congressman Kennedy. “This funding will provide children in the City of Niagara Falls with a stronger foundation for academic and lifelong success.”

“Our program design is thoughtful and targeted; a distribution of programming that leverages the strengths of the District and its community partners in support of successful outcomes for children and families,” said NFCSD Superintendent Mark Laurrie. “The city of Niagara Falls has a poverty rate of 46% for children under five years. Our EHS / HS staff will reach out to our families with young children living in poverty who are the most at risk.”

City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino added, “We thank Congressman Kennedy for his commitment to the children of our City. This funding for our district Head Start program will continue the work of our district to provide learning for all.. whatever it takes”

The Niagara Falls City School District took over the operation of Head Start/Early Head Start for children living in the City of Niagara Falls in 2022 and has grown the program over the last several years. The funding will allow for the district to support 141 children in Head Start and 40 children in Early Head Start.

Head Start programs serve families with income below the poverty level. Families enrolled in the program receive wrap-around services including crisis intervention, education screening, housing counseling, and education on wellness including dental health and nutrition. According to the National Head Start Association, participants are 12% less likely to live in poverty as adults and 29% less likely to receive public assistance

The Niagara Falls City School District offers several learning programs for children under the age of 5 including Head Start and Universal Pre-K. Early Head Start, for children up to 3 years of age, is offered at the Community Education Center on Lindbergh Avenue. Head Start programming, for young students ages 3 and 4, is provided at the DiFranceso Center on 24th Street. For more information contact the District’s Central Registration office at 716-286-4273.

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