Brooklyn kids dive into STEM fair as Head Start faces funding threat

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Young children and families in Brooklyn are learning together at a local STEM Fair, even as the future of Head Start programs is uncertain.

Proposed cuts from the Trump administration could end free preschool and child care for hundreds of thousands of low-income children nationwide.

Preschoolers at Bed-Stuy Early Childhood Development Center are exploring science, technology, engineering, and math during the center’s week-long fair. The event gives kids and parents a chance to work on hands-on STEM projects side by side.

“My daughter goes to school here at ECDC and she loves it, adores it,” said Kara Southern, whose three-and-a-half-year-old eagerly took part in the fair. “This is the children's chance to show off scientific projects that they want to do that are cool.”

Southern, like many parents, values these early learning opportunities but is worried about the future. “Everyone should be concerned. Head Start is crucial. It provides so much to all these children. They need it, they love it, they depend on it,” she said.

The Trump administration’s latest budget proposal would eliminate all federal funding for Head Start, a move that could shut down free preschool and child care for over half a million children and their families.

Education Psychology Manager Najaterry Gonzalez says the need for Head Start is greater than ever.

“Head Start is about giving children the early foundation of their education, and it's really important that children start learning at as young as two years old, which is what we have here at Bed-Stuy Head Start,” Gonzalez said. “It would be really sad if they got rid of Head Start programs because they are greatly needed.”

The STEM Fair continues at all six Bed-Stuy Early Childhood Development Center locations, and families and staff hope these vital programs will remain for future generations. Click here for more information.