Underwood, Durbin, Duckworth Announce $1.2 Million Investment in Early Childhood Education

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), along with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Educare of West DuPage $1,233,514 in federal grant funding. Educare of West DuPage is a part of a national network of schools partnered with Early Head Start funding to ensure more children in the state of Illinois have access to early education.

"Programs like Educare of West DuPage are providing an essential service to set children up for academic success," said Congresswoman Underwood. "This exciting investment in the education and future of our youngest neighbors will ensure more families are able to thrive."

"This federal funding helps ensure that young children around DuPage County have the strong foundation they need to flourish throughout preschool, elementary school, and beyond," said Durbin. "Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships make it possible for more families with infants and toddlers to access high-quality child care – a crucial opportunity for Illinois families."

"I'm proud to support programs like Head Start and Early Head Start that give children in Illinois the best shot at reaching their full potential," said Duckworth. "When we invest in childhood education and parental support services, we help provide children with the tools they need to succeed both in and outside of the classroom."

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