Head Start program expanding to three more counties in Central IL

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — An early childhood program will reach three new counties in Central Illinois this winter.

The Regional Planning Commission of Champaign County announced the Head Start program will offer services in five new centers in Vermilion, Iroquois, and Ford Counties. It’s made possible through an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Grant money will cover start-up costs, building renovations, and daily service. Officials say around 300 new children will have access to the program.

“I think given the experience that we have and our very close relationship with the Central Community Action Agency, it was just a natural fit for someone like us, a neighbor, to assume the running of that program in those three counties as opposed to some other entity outside the state of Illinois,” Dalitso Sulamoyo, the CEO of Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, said.

The program is geared toward low-income families. The plan is to start operations beginning November 1st.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.