If the federal government shutdown continues, the Mid-America Regional Council said it may need to temporarily close Head Start centers serving more than 2,300 Kansas City children beginning Nov. 1.

More than 2,000 children in the Kansas City area could be left in the lurch if Head Start programs temporarily close as the federal government shutdown continues.

The Mid-America Regional Council, which oversees Head Start programs in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, said it’s not received notice of award for the grant cycle beginning on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown.

Without certainty of reimbursement, MARC said it can’t incur any expenses for Head Start services after Oct. 31 and may need to temporarily close centers.

Kasey Lawson, director of MARC's Head Start program,

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