Many Head Start programs across the country could be forced to close at the end of this week if the federal government shutdown continues, jeopardizing free child care and other services for tens of thousands of families with young children.

The National Head Start Association, a nonprofit, said 134 preschool programs, serving 58,000 children, have grants ending Oct. 31 and will not receive further federal money until Congress strikes a deal to reopen the government. Head Start overall costs roughly $12 billion a year.

Another half-dozen programs stopped receiving money at the beginning of October, though most have found ways to temporarily stay open by using reserves or by receiving help from other agencies.

“It’s really frustrating,” said Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the Nationa

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