Peters, Stabenow & Kildee Call For Expanded Head Start for Flint Kids

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Dan Kildee announced they are sending a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging that Head Start be made available for every eligible child in the City of Flint. Last year, Congress approved an additional $135 million to expand the Early Head Start program, and the Members asked that the City of Flint be included in the expansion and that HHS provide technical assistance to community applicants.

"Thousands of Flint residents have been exposed to the lead-contaminated water, including children, who are the most vulnerable to the irreversible effects of lead poisoning. The developmental and behavioral problems from lead poisoning will require years of special treatment and wrap-around care for these children," wrote Peters, Stabenow and Kildee. "Therefore, we would like to formally request Head Start be made available to every eligible child in the City of Flint as soon as practicable and for at least the duration of a 5 year grant period."

Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of lead exposure, which has been associated with Attention Deficit Disorder and other cognitive, behavioral and developmental issues. A HHS report published last year noted that research shows children with or at high risk for developmental delays benefit most from interventions that begin at an early age.

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