BOSTON —

Massachusetts Head Start centers were forced to close Monday after they did not receive funding due to the federal government shutdown.

Four Self Help Inc. Head Start centers in Brockton and Norwood, which served 550 children, are closed, and more than 150 staff members are furloughed, according to Michelle Haimowitz, executive director of the Massachusetts Head Start Association.

"Head Start provides wraparound services including meals, health screenings, mental health supports, family job training, emergency services, disability supports, and so much more. Thousands of families could be without stable childcare, making it difficult for local businesses to have the workforce they need to help our communities prosper," Haimowitz said.

Five additional programs that serve more t

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