Head start and early head start

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Head Start of Washington County, Inc. $10.260 million on February 1, 2026, under the Head Start program (CFDA 93.600), a Project Grant providing educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services to enhance school readiness and support family well-being.

Head Start of Washington County, Inc. operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving eligible children and families in Washington County, Maryland, with performance extending through January 31, 2031. The Head Start program promotes cognitive, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional development of children through comprehensive services delivered locally and tailored to community needs. Local Head Start programs serve preschool-age children (3–4 years old) and infants and toddlers through Early Head Start, while engaging parents as active partners in service delivery.

This award funds a five-year renewal period. Continuation funding is based on satisfactory progress, compliance with terms and conditions, and a determination that funding continuation serves the federal government's interests. Recipients are measured against criteria that determine eligibility for subsequent five-year awards; failure to meet criteria makes the service area and funding available through open competition.