Sheboygan County Head Start program struggling to keep doors open during government shutdown

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The ripple effects of the ongoing government shutdown continue to grow across the state and the country.

Sheboygan County’s Head Start program says it's being forced to cut services, one of many programs across Wisconsin feeling the strain.

“I don’t know what parents are really going to do," said Brenda Zastrow, Head Start operations director.

There's unease as the clock keeps ticking for federal funds to run out for Sheboygan's Head Start program, which provides services for 172 families.

"After the (November) 14th, starting the 17th, we will have to potentially suspend services to our 3K children and continue services for our 4K children,” said Theresa Christen-Liebig, the executive director of the Sheboygan Human Rights Foundation.

The program provides multiple 3K and 4K services in addition to other family support, child resources, and activities.

"Everybody just started the school year," said Liebig. "It’s only a couple of months in and things have started settling down, and children are getting comfortable with their surroundings, and you know, getting used to their new friends and their teachers and everything. This is really going to impact and disrupt that.”

Liebig says it won't be possible to keep all their resources up and running because 80% of the program's funds are federally funded, which would leave some residents without child care.

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Secretary Jeff Pertl talked with the team Monday about those long-term impacts and says the solution is clear.

"We need all of our congressional leaders, House and Senate and the President, to come to the table, reach a deal and turn the federal government back on," said Pertl.

However, Liebig says even when the government reopens, she worries about how long it will take to get those funds.

"Obviously when the government opens up, it will look good, it will feel positive, but we will still be waiting.”

For now, Liebig says they are taking it day by day, doing everything they can to keep all programs open as long as possible.

If they do have to close some of their programs, Liebig says it could be difficult for parents to find other child care and education options, as many in the area already have waitlists.