No more Head Start for 625 Volusia kids due to shutdown

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Federal money for Volusia County's Head Start schools is being blocked because of the government shutdown.

Hundreds of parents picked up their kids Friday for the last time until Congress can make a deal.

Families and teachers at the center on Walker Street in Holly Hill said there is nothing they can do.

"I have children more mature than members of our Congress," assistant teacher Kathleen Robertson said.

The Head Start program was supposed to get some of its $9 million for the year on Tuesday,

Until the politicians start working together, the doors will stay closed and Robertson will be without a job.

The program's 625 kids and their teachers are wondering what to do.

"I am very attached to my children. I have been with Head Start for almost 18 years and this is the first time I have been through anything like this," Robertson said.

Joann Longworth picked up her granddaughter Alexis Friday and said she will most likely be taking care of her on her own until Congress makes a deal.

"She is real sad because this is her first year going to school and she has a lot of friends. Now she don't get to see them," Longworth said.

She shared her thoughts on the government shutdown.

"I think they need to grow up. They need to grow up," Longworth said.

WFTV