The Navajo Nation has shut down its Head Start program after losing federal funding.

The Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families notified the tribe on Tuesday. The agency said criminal background checks for current or prospective Head Start employees weren't being performed.

According to a review by ACF, 106 employees had criminal records and 51 had committed serious offenses like domestic abuse, assault or child abuse.

The tribe has until May 9 to challenge the suspension of funds.

Get the Story:
Navajo officials: Headstart programs closed indefinitely (The Farmington Daily Times 5/4)
Officials cut funding to Navajo Head Start (AP 5/4)
N.N. Headstart funding suspendedy (The Farmington Daily Times 5/3)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Head Start - http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb