NEON: Head Start program threatened by Norwalk’s decision

By Nancy Guenther Chapman

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk has made a preliminary decision to deny Head Start funding to Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now (NEON), according to a press release.

Head Start parents and NEON administrators and staff are meeting tonight to discuss the situation, and the consequences for the program and “most importantly the children,” the press release said, explaining, “The goal of the meeting is to bring the Norwalk community and educators together to provide the best possible education for our children, without regard to city politics.”

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. In the Nathaniel Ely School Gym.

NEON Chief Operating Officer Chiquita Stephenson said in the press release, “The unfortunate past mistakes made by our agency’s former leaders should not be used as a justification to penalize our children today, robbing them of quality education and their future potential.  We are working diligently with the city and our hope is that the city will work with NEON.”

For more information parents are encouraged to contact Lisa Cooper, NEON Director of Administration via email at  [email protected] or by phone at 203 451-4667.