Head Start program gets financial boost

The Two Rivers Head Start Agency has landed a nearly $1.7 million federal grant to open a new child-care center in Elgin by summer 2010, officials said.

The grant is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will lead to the creation of 25 more jobs and the expansion of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers and their low-income families.

Diane Lacey, Two Rivers interim executive director, said Thursday the agency is looking to lease a 18,200-square-foot building near Elgin's Big Timber Metra station. The building must be renovated and operational by June 2010 to take advantage of the two-year grant.

"We're very happy to have received it and it's really going to serve a lot of people in Elgin, both adults and children," Lacey said. The new facility will have day care in seven classrooms serving 56 children from six weeks of age through 36 months.

The grant also provides funding to serve 24 infants and toddlers and their parents with home-based programs and teaching.

Two Rivers Head Start Agency's Community Services Block Grant Program also will be located in the new building to provide emergency services and a food pantry.

"This funding will yield a long-term economic benefit, as children who receive early intervention are more likely to earn more income and become productive, successful adults," Congressman Bill Foster said in a prepared statement.

Lacey said the agency hopes to continue to the program after federal funding expires in 2012.

Two Rivers has 13 locations - including three now in Elgin - and serves Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, Grundy and Boone counties.