LEWISTON, Idaho -- A group of parents and children in Lewiston joined a nationwide effort Wednesday to protest proposed cuts to early childhood education.
"I cannot have this program cut," said Rebecca Cordoba, a 26-year-old mother of two. "It's done so much for me and my family. I'll do whatever it takes."
Standing near the office of U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, on Main Street, they waved signs and chanted about the importance of Head Start. Labrador was in the Boise area, but the group drew the attention of motorists and downtown pedestrians.
"I believe in Head Start and education," said Jessica Powers, 26, of Clarkston. "The cuts they're trying to make are terrible. My youngest is going to be ready for kindergarten because of the program. Without Head Start, there would have been no way. We're here to support education in Washington and Idaho, too."
Head Start is a federal program designed to provide education, health, nutrition and parent-involvement services to low-income children and their families.
The proposed House budget would cut funding for the program by 22.4 percent, eliminate 55,000 jobs and 218,000 slots for children, according to Head Start officials. More than 16,000 classrooms across the country would be closed.
If the cuts are approved, approximately 100 children would be affected at the local level, said Dorlan Hergesheimer, executive director of Lewis-Clark Early Childhood Program.
Hergesheimer, who was contacted at his office, said he is supportive of President Barack Obama's proposed budget, which would add $866 million to Head Start coffers to maintain current funding levels and slots now covered by stimulus money.
"Head Start is a good investment because it not only employs people and educates children, but also supports low-wage earning families and allows them to go to work and school," Hergesheimer said. "It also subsidizes employers because the parents who are working in low-wage jobs wouldn't be able to afford child care."
Lewis-Clark Early Childhood Program provides Head Start and Early Head Start services in five counties in Idaho and Asotin County. The program serves 410 children and employs a staff of 128.
Desirae Zabel, 32, of Clarkston, said her 3-year-old son has learned his ABCs, colors, address and can count to 40, thanks to the education he's received through Early Head Start.
Powers said her youngest son couldn't hold a pencil when he started the program, and now he's ready for kindergarten.
"My youngest child has Down syndrome and he's been in the program for two years," said Cordoba of Lewiston. "With the help of the program, he can do self-help tasks independently, has much more verbal vocabulary and has glasses. "
In addition, she and her husband received support and training, such as steps to economic and personal success, and she has increased her job skills by being the chairwoman of a policy council, Cordoba said.
"Without Head Start, none of this would be possible."
Sandaine may be contacted at kerrislmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264.
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