Head start and early head start

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Friends Of Children Of Mississippi, Inc. (doing business as Community Pride) $27.182 million under the Head Start program (CFDA 93.600) on December 1, 2025. The award funds comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutritional, social, and family support services for low-income children from birth through compulsory school age in Mississippi, with performance through November 30, 2030. Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing cognitive, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional development of enrollees and engages parents as partners in service delivery. Community Pride, a tax-exempt nonprofit based in Flowood, Mississippi, has managed over $337 million in federal grant funding for child development and care services across the state and maintains a demonstrated track record administering Head Start awards dating to at least July 2021. The five-year award is subject to non-competing continuation based on satisfactory progress, compliance with terms and conditions, and a determination that continuation is in the federal government's best interest. Community Pride must maintain all records according to 2 CFR 200.334–338 and comply with Head Start-specific audit requirements under 45 CFR Part 75 Subpart F, including the annual Head Start audit supplement.