DEFIANCE, Ohio — Thousands of children nationwide could lose access to Head Start programs if the federal government shutdown extends beyond Nov. 1 , leaving local agencies and families worried about the impact on early childhood education and essential community services.

Angie Franklin, executive director of the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, said she and other Head Start leaders are uneasy about what a prolonged shutdown could mean for the children and families they serve.

“Like many programs and services, the federal shutdown is devastating for us,” Franklin said.

The agency serves 344 Head Start children across Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding and Williams counties. The potential funding freeze could also affect the 144 employees who depend on their jobs to conti

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