NORWICH – Extending local funding is on the priority list for United States Congressman Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, who voted last week in favor of reauthorizing funding for Head Start programs through 2012 and improving the Head Start Act of 2007.

As a father, Arcuri said he is aware of how important it is to provide children with a solid foundation so they can succeed in school and later on in life.

“The national Head Start program has helped millions of children start kindergarten on an even playing field, and the bill we passed would allow the program to continue to serve our communities,” he said.

The new bill could authorize an additional $450 million for 2008 to a maximum of $7.4 billion over the next five years allowing up to 10,000 more children to have access to the Head Start program nationwide.

The quality of Head Start’s workforce could be improved by increasing funding for teacher and staff salaries and professional development. The bill would strengthen training and technical staff and allow agencies to hire additional staff. It could also update the program’s curriculum by incorporating the latest science on early childhood brain development.