The official word from Washington, D.C., is that the Navajo Nation's Head Start program is still under suspension.

But tribal officials say they are moving forward with plans to reopen Head Start centers across the reservation. They said they received a partial restoration of funds and will resume the full program in phases.

The federal Administration for Children and Families revoked funding after a review of employees found some with serious criminal records. The tribe has since conducted background checks nearly 700 employees.

The tribe has fired 18 people as a result of the checks. An additional 81 employees resigned or were fired.

Get the Story:
Head Start moving forward (The Farmington Daily Times 7/24)

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

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