U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA Supports the Construction of a New Head Start Facility

Name
Kathy E. Beisner
City
Smyrna
Release Date

Today, USDA Rural Development State Director Bill McGowan joined federal, state and local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the onset of construction for Telamon Corporation’s newest Head Start facility on Brenford Road in Smyrna.

 “As students across Delaware prepare to head back to school, we are highlighting USDA’s efforts to promote a healthy and productive learning environment,” said McGowan.  “USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program impacts all rural citizens from child day care and early learning centers to adult day care and senior centers.  We do this by listening to what the communities need and by working with our partners like NCALL that provide the interim financing while the construction is in process.”

Telamon works in partnership with parents and communities to help young children and families develop the skills and attitudes essential for success in school and life.  The non-profit organization has been operating a Head Start program from a leased facility on Georgias Alley in Smyrna since 2001.  Moving to the new site will enable Telamon to expand their program to serve more children and families.  Telamon will use USDA Rural Development permanent financing in the form of a $1.3 million low interest direct loan to construct a new 4,300 square-foot Head Start Facility that will meet the Head Start Standards, which includes space for a part day Head Start Program that provides two sessions each day, and includes a kitchen, classrooms, a conference room and office space for the staff.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.  Last year, the agency provided $171 million to rural Delaware.  The funding supports a wide variety of loan, guaranteed loan, and grant programs to rural residents in the areas of housing, community facilities, business development, infrastructure, and other essential needs.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their office in Dover at (302) 857-3580 or by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/de.

#