Teacher Gemma Monreal reads a book to Matias Lopez, left, and Camilo Guillen, both 4, during a Head Start childcare program at George Miller III Center in Richmond, Calif., on Friday, March 9, 2024. RICHMOND — Maria Chavez first heard about George Miller III Children’s Center almost two decades ago when a neighbor recommended that she send her now-18-year-old daughter there for preschool.
Teacher Ulda Ibarra sits next to Ibania Ramon Rodriguez, 4, after waking up from a nap during a Head Start childcare program at George Miller III Center in Richmond, Calif., on Friday, March 9, 2024. That dollar amount is the cap set by the federal government that can be requested. Roughly half of those dollars are earmarked for staff salaries and benefits in fiscal year 2025, in addition to an anticipated $7.4 million in supplemental state and county funds.
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, left, talks to parent Maria Garcia during a visit to the Head Start childcare program at George Miller III Center in Richmond, Calif., on Friday, March 9, 2024. Most Head Start programs in California are run by nonprofits and school districts, but Contra Costa County’s arrangement is unique — half of its programs are run by staff within the county’s Community Services Bureau, while local nonprofits partnered with the county operate the other half. Only one site, in Concord and run by an Oakland-based organization, directly receives federal funding for its 130 slots.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and our village is hearty,” Robb said. “The strong support of our county partners is evident in all we do, whether it be installing a new playground via public works or creating a COVID prevention plan with public health.”