BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - The ongoing government shutdown is having a big impact on some preschool programs in Alabama.

“This is an urgent matter, because education matters and it truly starts early,” said Joan Wright, the Executive Director of Childcare Resources in Birmingham.

Wright stressed over 900 Alabama families have lost Head Start services .

“Now these families may be stretched to figure out, how am I going to afford care?” Wright said. “Where am I going to place my children?”

Head Start is a federal program which ensures students from low-income households and other situations can attend preschool for free.

Right now, Wright stated that programs with a Oct. 1 funding year are missing out, shutting down some Alabama facilities, and leaving 300 staff members wit

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