Stalled HEROES Act Includes Critical Child Care Funding; Jumpstart for Young Children Says Compromise Is Key

BOSTON, MA (September 29, 2020) – Last night the House released its updated version of the HEROES Act which includes a critical $57 billion in funding for child care relief. Totaling $2.2 trillion, the bill also includes $1.7 billion for Head Start and $11.9 billion to address COVID-related burdens felt by the higher education community. This latest bill comes after months of stalled negotiations between the House, Senate, and Trump Administration and just days before members of the House are slated to gavel out until November 16.

“The funding allocated in this bill for early education services has never been more critical,” Jumpstart CEO Naila Bolus said. “Early educators and care givers have demonstrated an unyielding commitment to providing critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic, even in the face of unprecedented challenges to the sector. We are relying on our leaders to make the right decisions for families and for the workforce.”

Though both House and Senate relief bills have provided critical funding for child care, legislative leaders have been unable to reach a compromise further jeopardizing the sustainability of the child care sector which serves as the backbone of a strong economic recovery. As parents attempt to return to work, many are left without viable child care options. Reduced access to care and early education add to the persistent concerns about the long-term impact that distance learning will have on the social and cognitive development of young learners during the most critical time of their development.

The latest iteration of HEROES also included $350 million in additional funding to AmeriCorps programming. “More than 55,000 AmeriCorps members have served with Jumpstart, providing vital language, literacy and social-emotional support to young children from underserved communities. The increased funding and legislative flexibilities included from the CORPS Act means programs like ours can maintain or expand services to the communities most at risk during the pandemic,” Naila Bolus said.

Attention now shifts to House consideration of the measure, which will hopefully jumpstart Washington’s commitment to providing critical relief to struggling communities.

###

ABOUT JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Jumpstart is a national early education organization working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Jumpstart delivers a research-based and cost-effective program by training college students and community volunteers to serve preschool-age children in low-income neighborhoods. Through a proven curriculum, these children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for kindergarten, setting them on a path for lifelong success. Jumpstart is also a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Learn more at jstart.org and follow us on Twitter at @Jumpstartkids.