Rep. Jim Costa speaks during a House Agriculture Committee hearing on May 23, 2024. Photo via House Agriculture Committee flickr page.

Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced Thursday that he has secured $35.4 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earmarked to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Fresno and Tulare counties.

Head Start programs provide critical early childhood education as well as health care and family support services.

“Every child deserves a fair shot, no matter their zip code or family income. I’ve always fought to protect Head Start because it gives kids the tools to succeed,” Costa said. “This funding means more children will walk into kindergarten ready to learn, and more families will have access to reliable, affordable childcare they can count on.”

Costa was able to secure $23.7 million for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and an additional $11.6 million for the Tulare County Office of Education — the two entities responsible for Head Start programs in their respective counties.

The grants will go to support ongoing program operations, as well as staff retention, on-site improvements and expansion of services for eligible families.

The news comes just one day after Reuters reported that the Trump Administration violated the law in its delay of US Head Start education funding. The outlet reported that the administration’s temporary freeze on the funds was deemed illegal, violating the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974 which prohibits the executive branch from delaying or blocking congressionally approved spending without congressional approval.

A federally funded program, Head Start is administered by HHS and promotes school readiness for children under the age of five.