As the retiring executive director of Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care, I reflect upon 45 years of service to the children and families in Androscoggin County. And, never have I been so appalled as I am now regarding the elimination of Head Start support in the governor’s proposed budget, which was announced last week. Those cuts will have a devastating effect on the children and families that need Head Start the most.

Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care provides high-quality, early care and education to about 300 of the 3,400 eligible children in Androscoggin County who are living at 100 percent of the poverty level. These children benefit from the comprehensive services (medical and dental screenings, social services, education/school readiness, and opportunities for parent engagement) that Head Start provides.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Maine serve about 3,600 children, newborn to age 5. Unfortunately, this represents a small percentage of eligible children. Families that are eligible have incomes at or below the poverty level.

Currently, Maine has the capacity to serve only 29 percent of Head Start-eligible children. Head Start’s full-day, full-year prekindergarten and child care programs receive funding from the state of Maine. In 1999, Head Start was included in the Fund for a Healthy Maine allocation. Both of these state funding resources would be eliminated under the governor’s proposed budget.

In Maine, 70 percent of Head Start parents are employed or are full-time students. Unfortunately, Head Start is only a part-time, school year program. State-funded programs support the current work force by providing full-day, full-year prekindergarten and child care, allowing parents to work or further their education, and continue on a path to self-sufficiency.

Removing child care funding from the budget is a very shortsighted step. By taking away funding for affordable, quality child care, 78 families in Androscoggin County who are working, continuing their education, or participating in job training may not be able to afford to keep their children in child care, and may have to stop moving toward self-sufficiency. They may be forced to rely on other state-funded programs.

Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care has been serving children and families in Androscoggin County for more than 45 years, ensuring that children have equal access to the opportunities that will give them a head start on their education, and their future.

For every dollar invested in early care and education, there can be a return of up to $16 over time.

If we want Maine’s future to be in good hands, we need to develop a generation of young people who can lead our communities and grow our economy. When children have enriching experiences and relationships, the building blocks of the maturing brain, they get off to a good start, establishing a strong foundation for future development.

I know everyone says that they want what is best for the children; however, these cuts do nothing but hurt Maine’s most vulnerable.

I urge state senators and representatives, and the governor, to continue funding for Head Start and the Fund for a Healthy Maine. Any efforts on behalf of Maine’s children will have a positive impact on the future of the children and the state.

With help and support, Maine will continue to be a place where children are put first and, though my retirement from Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care is bittersweet, I will leave knowing that Maine’s children are in good hands.

Estelle Rubinstein is executive director of Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care.