Twenty-two Head Start programs for low-income early education for children appear to face closure in the upcoming year across North Alabama. The expansion of the state’s Pre-K Program is pulling some kids away from the Head Start program.

If that happens, some parents feel the kids not old enough to go to Pre-K could be left behind.

On that list of possible closures are the Centre and Cedar Bluff Head Start Programs, officials said it’s a business decision as the state expands its Pre-K program.

If the cuts are approved by the federal government, they would begin at the start of the next school year.

Proposed closures at this time:

• Cherokee Co. – Cedar Bluff, Centre
• Cullman Co. – Cold Springs, Harmony preschool, Welti, Baileyton
• Franklin Co. – One at Russellville preschool
• Jackson Co. – Bridgeport, Section, NSM, Rosalie
• Marion Co. – Bear Creek, Hamilton preschool, Winfield preschool
• Marshall Co. – Guntersville, Boaz, Asbury,
• Morgan Co. – Sparkman

We will continue to update you on this story as more information is available.