COLUMBUS, Ohio — The federal government shutdown is having an impact on Head Start services across the country, threatening education and care, meals, health services and stability.

More than 8,000 children and families in 15 states and Puerto Rico -- including in Ohio -- have lost access to Head Start services already.

The National Head Start Association said 140 programs serving more than 65,000 children and families in 41 states and Puerto Rico had not received federal grant funds necessary to operate as of Nov. 1.

Some of these providers have been able to scrape together funds to keep going, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the association.

“If not for the extraordinary dedication and creativity of Head Start staff and community leaders across the country, tens of thousand

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