UNION -- Head Start, an educational booster program for the rural poor, has been awarded a $50,000 state grant for improvements to the Endicott Children's Center in the Town of Union.
The funding provided upgrades to the pre-K program at 1604 Union Center Highway, including new furniture and sinks for the classrooms, energy efficient lighting, a new furnace, remodeling and repairs to a storage building.
The funding was secured through the office of Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo, D-Endwell.
"I couldn't believe what they got done for $50,000," said Lupardo, who visited the site Monday. "They got a lot of bang for their buck. Parents are very touched by it."
Martha Kirby, Head Start director, said the funding "made a real difference." She cited studies showing the benefits pre-K education has on preparing students for school and improving their long-term academic performance.