Head start and early head start

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Community Action Wayne / Medina $11,015,188 on February 1, 2026, under the Head Start program (CFDA 93.600), a Project Grant providing early childhood education and related services to vulnerable young children and families.

Head Start services delivered through this award enhance the cognitive, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional development of enrollees through educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services. The program serves both preschool-age children (primarily 3 and 4 years old) and Early Head Start populations including infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Community Action Wayne / Medina, a non-profit community development corporation based in Ohio, operates the local Head Start program and tailors federal services to the needs of families in its service area.

Performance extends through January 31, 2031, in Ohio. The award is structured as a five-year funding commitment; recipients meeting specified criteria remain eligible for continued five-year renewal awards, while those not meeting criteria face competitive reallocation of service areas and funding. Non-competing continuations are issued based on satisfactory progress, compliance with award terms, and determination that continuation serves the federal government's interests.