Head start and early head start

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency $11.746996 million on January 1, 2026, under the Head Start program (CFDA 93.600) for comprehensive early childhood education and family support services through December 31, 2030.

The recipient delivers Head Start preschool programming for three- and four-year-old children and Early Head Start services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women across Amador and Tuolumne County in California's Sierra Nevada foothills. Services span early learning, health, nutrition, family well-being, and parent engagement. The award supports local program operations tailored to the needs of low-income families in the two-county service area, where Amador's population is approximately 41,250 residents.

Head Start promotes school readiness through enhancement of cognitive, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional development. Recipients are measured against performance criteria during the five-year grant period, with eligibility for renewal or service-area recompete determined by demonstrated compliance and progress. Awards are issued through ten regional offices geographically responsible for specific states and territories, with American Indian, Alaska Native, Migrant, and Seasonal program awards issued by the Central Office.

Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency operates as a prime recipient under federal grant programs focused on homelessness intervention, early childhood education, tax assistance, and low-income energy and food support, with no federal contracting presence. The organization receives pass-through sub-awards from California state agencies administering Child Care and Development Block Grant, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and Emergency Food Assistance funding.