Congressman Mark Critz Visits PIC’s Early Childhood Division

Pictured from left to right - Congressman Mark S. Critz, representing the 12 Congressional District, Stacy Whipkey, Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council, Terri Campbell, Vice President of Operations, Tim Yurcisin, President

Congressman Mark Critz, representing the 12th Congressional District, Pennsylvania paid a visit to the Private Industry Council’s Early Childhood Division in Uniontown on Friday, February 25, 2011. The Congressman spent about an hour and a half learning about the Private Industry Council’s Early Childhood initiatives, including Head Start/Early Head Start, Pre-K Counts, and PIC’s newest initiative, SEEDS (Social Emotional Early Developmental Success).

Approximately 1,500 students go through the Head Start/Early Head Start program during various times each year. However, the Private Industry Council is funded to serve only 925 students at one time, which leaves long waiting lists for families in need of the services. Representative Critz said he hopes the federal budget will be able to help sustain this and other programs the Private Industry Council administrates.

"You are sitting in a position where you see where it hits," Critz said. "You are seeing the families you are turning away. It's frustrating."

The Congressman then received a tour of the Head Start facility on Coolspring Road and had an opportunity to sit down with parents to discuss the benefits of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.

"As he sees our program, we hope he sees what a vital contribution to families it is," said Bill Huebner, interim director for Head Start/Early Head Start. "As a result, we are hoping that funding remains stable."

The trip was not only to inform Critz on what Head Start does for the community, but to ask if there's money available for an $8 million upgrade of the Private Industry Council’s Uniontown facilities.

Critz said when it comes to spending from a Washington perspective; they have to look at what is a cost and what is an investment, but noted that every dollar spent on Head Start ends with a $7 return. Critz said he would like to be informed on what Head Start will need from Washington.

The congressman also made additional stops in Fayette County Friday to discuss issues with officials about career and technical school and energy assessments for homeowners.

To learn more about Representative Critz read these articles on Pittsburgh Live and The Herald Standard.

Also, visit the PIC page on Facebook to see more pictures.