Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham

CONGRESSIONAL News:

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., has announced that Youth Development, Inc. was selected to receive $1.5 million in early childhood education funding that will provide opportunities for 80 young children to attend Early Head Start.

YDI earned the Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money will be used to train child care staff in the principles of Early Head Start services. The money also will pay for 80 slots to serve infants and toddlers ages six weeks to three years old.

“YDI is committed to changing the lives of children and families in our community for the better and this Early Head Start grant is one more opportunity toward that goal,” Lujan Grisham said. “Working with private community partners, 80 at-risk young children will participate in the successful Head Start program that focuses on cognitive, social and emotional development so they can be ready for kindergarten. Early childhood education has proven long-lasting beneficial effects on the overall development of children and helps ensure they will reach their full potential.”

YDI is a well-established and nationally recognized youth service organization that provides a wide variety of assistance to children, youth and families in Albuquerque and close communities.