COSHOCTON, Ohio — Seven Head Start programs across Ohio could close next month as the government shutdown threatens federal funding for early childhood education services, according to the Ohio Head Start Association.

The association said the seven programs, which serve about 3,738 children and employ 940 people statewide, provide education, childcare, food, health services and other support to low-income children from birth to age 5 at no cost to families.

Coshocton County Head Start, which serves 140 children, is among the programs at risk. Its grant year ends Oct. 31, and Executive Director Susan Craddock said the program won't have access to additional funds unless the federal government approves funding by then.

"The parents know that if we do not get our notice of award that we

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