Government shutdown leaves 900 Alabama families without childcare, provider says

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The ongoing government shutdown is having a big impact on some preschool programs in Alabama.

“This is an urgent matter, because education matters and it truly starts early,” said Joan Wright, the Executive Director of Childcare Resources in Birmingham.

Wright stressed over 900 Alabama families have lost Head Start services.

“Now these families may be stretched to figure out, how am I going to afford care?” Wright said. “Where am I going to place my children?”

Head Start is a federal program which ensures students from low-income households and other situations can attend preschool for free.

Right now, Wright stated that programs with a Oct. 1 funding year are missing out, shutting down some Alabama facilities, and leaving 300 staff members without a job.

Childcare Resources reports it is not seeing direct impacts to its Head Start programs. However, if this government shutdown continues that funding could also be in jeopardy.

Another concern is children’s access to food.

Head Start programs provide children with two meals a day.

Additionally, Childcare Resources reports close to 200 families in its program rely on SNAP benefits.

While the Trump Administration has now announced it will partially fund SNAP, Wright hopes for something more concrete.

“These temporary solutions are simply that, they’re only temporary, they do provide a little bit of relief and some hope, but the nagging question becomes ‘And now what?’” said Wright.

Right now, Head Start preschool programs with a funding year Nov. 1 are waiting to see what will happen.

Wright urges Alabamians to reach out to members of congress to share their thoughts.

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