Native America Calling: The fight for pre-K education programs

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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The fight for pre-K education programs

As Head Start approaches its 60th year, federal funding for the pre-kindergarten program remains well short of what it would take to cover the number of children eligible.

Now, it is among the proposed budget cuts on the table as Congress works to avoid a shutdown. There’s evidence Head Start provides a life-long boost for Native children, but its future is in doubt in Alaska and some other places where the potential need is greatest.

Guests on Native America Calling

Kathleen Sando (Jemez Pueblo), San Felipe Head Start director

Anne Shade, Bristol Bay Native Association childhood development director, Alaska Head Start Association co-treasurer and the Head Start representative on the Alaska Early Childhood Coordinating Council

Alicia Allard, tribal Head Start consultant and specialist for Little Hawk Consulting

Andrea Pesena (Isleta Pueblo), executive director for Isleta Pueblo Head Start and Child Care Program

Lola Henry (Hupa), manager and director for Hoopa Tribal Head Start

MaryEllen Fritz (Inupiaq), Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association Department of Family and Community Development director