WASHINGTON – Sullivan County Head Start will receive $1 million in federal stimulus funds to expand its Early Head Start program in Monticello and Woodridge.

"The Head Start program is a critical service for these communities, especially as we continue to face difficult economic and social challenges," said Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who made the announcement.  "This invaluable program will now be able expand their services, and a greater number of families will be able to benefit from their programs."

The federal funding will be used to expand from 45 to 95 the number of infants and toddlers up to age three that Sullivan County Early Head Start serves.

In order to accommodate additional children, the organization will use the funds to add one full class in Monticello and four in Woodridge.  The agency estimates that it will hire an additional 12 early childhood development teachers to assist with implementing the expansion.  Through its traditional Head Start program, which serves pre-school children, the organization currently serves 255 children above age three.

"This grant award is very exciting, and we look forward to expanding our services.  We now have more than 200 children on our waiting list for this program, and this expansion will help to meet the great need for early childhood development in Sullivan County," said Bertha Williams, executive director of Sullivan County Head Start.