Acelero Learning Monmouth/Middlesex County Awarded American Recovery Act Funds for Early Head Start Expansion

ASBURY PARK, N.J., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Acelero Learning Monmouth/Middlesex County has been selected by the Administration of Children and Families of the US Department of Health and Human Services to receive funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) to provide Early Head Start services to infants and toddlers in Monmouth and Middlesex County, New Jersey. This grant represents the first time Early Head Start services will ever be provided in Monmouth County, and it will mark the return of Early Head Start services to Middlesex County after more than a five year absence.

"We are excited to extend our high-quality Head Start services to infants and toddlers across Monmouth and Middlesex Counties," said Rosa Thorpe, Acelero Learning Monmouth/Middlesex County's Executive Director. "This Recovery Act funding means that we will be able to have an impact on even younger children and families in need, and create 17 good jobs at the same time. This is truly a win-win for our future staff and the families and children we will serve!"

"As the vice-chair of the Parent Policy Council for Acelero Learning Monmouth/Middlesex County," said Kalena Paterno, "I can speak for all of our parents and say we are excited about more families being able to receive the Acelero magic – especially at a younger age. I know what a difference Head Start has made in my life and in the life of my child – I can only imagine the impact our Early Head Start services will have on expecting moms, infants, and toddlers!"

"We are all so proud of the expanding work of our agency," said Doug Whiteman, chair of the board of Acelero Learning Monmouth/Middlesex County. "Rosa and her team have worked very hard to put us in a position where we can serve more children and families, and this Early Head Start award clearly attests to the high quality of our Head Start program."

"The Head Start and Early Head Start ARRA funding is not only helping us to expand our outreach services to thousands of children and families across the country, but it is also helping to stimulate local communities by providing new jobs and new resources to purchase local goods and services," commented Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Director, Office of Head Start.

"In these tough economic times, it is vital we find ways to create jobs while continuing to invest in our children's future," said Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who helped author the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. "Head Start and Early Head Start are great success stories in American education. We want New Jersey's children to develop the skills they need to excel. Not only will these funds help create good jobs that will boost our economy, but they will ensure our kids get the necessary tools to reach their full potential."

"I have visited the Monmouth County Head Start Program and met with staff and parents, and was impressed with the quality of the program," said Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ). "I am excited they will be able to build on their track record of success by providing Early Head Start services throughout Monmouth and Middlesex Counties. This is a great example of Recovery Act funding making a difference on the ground, as Acelero will be able to both create new jobs and provide much needed services to low-income infants and toddlers."

Acelero Learning Monmouth/Middlesex County will offer center-based Early Head Start for qualified families in Perth Amboy and Red Bank, and offer home-based Early Head Start services to families throughout Monmouth and Middlesex County. The program will hire new teachers, and two additional coordinators. Interested applicants can apply on-line at www.acelero.net/jobs. Preference will be given to current and former Head Start parents who meet the qualifications for each position.

SOURCE Acelero Learning

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