LIBERTY, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R, NY-19) introduced the Head Start Accountability Act after Sullivan County Head Start closed abruptly earlier this year.

The bill, introduced on July 23, aims to provide stronger oversight over local Head Start programs. Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to children from low-income families.

The sudden closure of Sullivan County Head Start in February affected nearly 400 families and around 100 providers. The bill proposed by Molinaro requires the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Health & Human Services to investigate local Head Start programs if a financial audit is not submitted, so that necessary corrections may be made before a closure occurs.

Molinaro said he worked closely with local leaders to reopen Sullivan County Head Start, and held mobile office hours to provide updates and ensure accountability. He supported a $1 billion increase in federal funding for Head Start programs in the 2024 appropriations bill. 

Molinaro said the Head Start Accountability Act will address the aftermath of the closure and prevent such situations from occurring again.