Ellington

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four Head Start providers that serve 3,200 low-income children in four states are closing due to the federal government shutdown.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday four grantees that operate about 50 sites are shutting down after not receiving their funding.

The agencies include: Talladega Clay Randolph Child Corporation in Alabama; Action for Bridgeport Community Development in Connecticut; Capital Area Community Action Agency in Florida and the Five County Child Development Program in Mississippi.

Twenty-three Head Start agencies nationwide were slated to have their grants renewed on Oct. 1. Many of those are now looking for alternative sources of funding.

Head Start serves more than 1 million low-income children annually, helping prepare them for elementary school while also providing meals and health care.