Heartland Head Start's funding will likely not be impacted by a looming deadline putting dozens of similar programs at risk.
Approximately 140 Head Start programs nationwide may start limiting services for low-income families at their early learning centers if the government shutdown extends into November.
SNAP food assistance is also set to pause beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, until Congress agrees on a spending bill to reopen the government.
Bloomington-based Heartland Head Start recently renewed five years of federal grant money totaling $4.4 million — nearly all of their yearly budget.
In an email to WGLT, interim executive director Chuck Hartseil confirmed this year's grant won't run out until Jan. 30, 2026.
"We should not be impacted by the Nov. 1 date but if they are still out until the January date, then we would be impacted," he said.
