Government shutdown threatens Georgia early childhood programs

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Many government-funded programs are preparing to shut down on November 1 as funding runs out during the ongoing government shutdown.

One program in Georgia, Action Pact is working to let families who depend on their support know they’ll have to shut down too.

We spoke with the program’s leaders about the repercussions this closure will have on our communities.

“I worry every day about these kids and their families. This closure of childcare for these families has cascading impact on the children and on family well-being, and frankly, on Georgia’s economy,” said Mindy Binderman, executive director of GEEARS.

Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students or GEEARS is a statewide program supporting families at or under the poverty level. They support local programs like Action Pact who provide childcare, nutrition and learning assistance.

548 children impacted

“They have already sent a letter to parents informing them that services are likely to have to shut down for a while due to lack of funding,” Binderman said.

With Action Pact being government funded, November 1 may be their last day.

“I just like for everybody to know that we are doing everything humanly possible to not shut the program down,” said Diane Rogers, executive director of Action Pact.

Rogers told WTOC that they serve 12 counties and with no funding, 548 children and 187 staff members will be affected.

“Because the federal government is shut down, those contracts cannot be renewed on time. And that means that those programs will not get money to pay their employees and serve those kids,” Binderman said.

Directors concerned about local impact

Both directors are concerned about the local impact.

“Well, it’s been devastating, quite frankly. We understand the consequences that this will have for the parents. We’re very concerned about food instability, insecurity,” Rogers said.

With the deadline approaching fast, the program may be out of options.

“We need more than $700,000 each month to run Head Start. So it was just too big a financial risk without that assurance. So that is the main difference,” Rogers said.

Rogers said they have reached out for help, but with so few local resources, they just can’t continue without financial assistance.