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Payne, Jr. Visits Head Start Center in Newark to Highlight Importance of Early Learning

May 9, 2016

Newark, N.J. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) visited The Leaguers, Inc. in Newark to highlight the importance of early learning and Head Start programs for New Jersey families and communities.

The event was attended by members of The Leaguers’ staff and parents of children in The Leaguers’ Head Start program.

“Head Start programs help build a foundation for development, learning, and success in school and in life,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “As the father of triplets, I understand the need to invest in early childhood education, like Head Start, so that every child has the best possible start in life and a fair chance at success.”

Head Start improves school readiness of young children from low-income families through education, health, and other services in their communities. In 2013, Head Start served 14,701 New Jersey children.

As part of his ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities in underserved communities, last year Congressman Payne, Jr. introduced the Promise Neighborhoods Act of 2015, legislation to level the playing field for low-income children and narrow educational disparities that exist in many communities. The bill authorizes competitive grants to support neighborhood-based, cradle-to-career continuums of care for children in distressed neighborhoods across the country.

The Leaguers, Inc. has provided Head Start services to New Jersey children and families for over forty years. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for children and families through diverse educational and cultural programs that foster self-growth, personal empowerment, and pride in one’s community. The center served 1,095 children and families between 2014 and 2015.