Many Head Start programs across the country could be forced to close at the end of this week if the federal government shutdown continues, jeopardizing free child care and other services for tens of thousands of families with young children.

The early childhood program Head Start is facing a cutoff of federal funding at the end of the month because of the government shutdown. Some Head Start educators are already working without pay, other programs are preparing to close.

More than 65,000 Head Start children and their families are at risk of losing access to critical services if the ongoing federal government shutdown persists, according to a statement released by the National Head Start Association Thursday.

Three large providers of Head Start programs in Georgia secured an emergency loan to keep programs running for 45 days as the government shutdown continues.

Kids may be impacted as Head Start programs waiting on Nov. 1 funds to keep running are at risk of closing if federal government shutdown continues.

More than 100 Head Start programs expecting federal grants next month could be forced to end services if the federal shutdown continues.

Hundreds of families and teachers in Tallahassee are breathing a sigh of relief after emergency funding from the Children’s Services Council of Leon County helped Head Start programs stay open.

Emergency bridge funding will keep Georgia Head Start classrooms open for 45 days during the federal shutdown.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - The Children’s Services Council of Leon County is stepping in to help ensure Head Start centers stay open. CSC Leon announced a $300,000 allocation to four Head Start centers in Tallahassee.