Some Head Start Programs Close, and Others May Soon

 The National Head Start Association estimates that nearly 19,000 children from low-income families have lost or are at risk of losing services in 11 states because of the government shutdown, according to its analysis of the impact of the shutdown.

In eastern Alabama, more than 700 children in preschool and child care programs were sent home on Tuesday after the Cheaha Regional Head Start program closed 16 of its sites. Officials said they were unable to keep operating because they did not receive their annual federal grant on Oct. 1.

The Alabama program is one of 23 across the country that did not get their anticipated funds on Oct. 1, and more programs are expected to close their doors this week. The parents of more than 800 children in central Pennsylvania were notified that no classes would be held after Friday.