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Heartland Head Start Perseveres

Charlie Schlenker

Heartland Head Start says even though it is largely federally funded, the uncertain state financial situation has eroded its budget too. At a recent "Hidden McLean County" forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, program manager Jaylene Taubert said they have lost about 5% of their budget and have had to cut some support staff.

Yakira Daniels is an unemployed single mom of two who says she has seen the difference the readiness program makes in her own children. Daniels says her four year old daughter Nayana went through Head Start and her son Raylan did not. The daughter can spell her last name, even though she is not yet in Kindergarten, and the older son struggles with that.

Heartland Head Start operates in McLean and Livingston Counties serving families at or below the poverty level, and homeless children.

The loss of $200,000 in state subsidies has eroded support staff and the number of classrooms served.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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