WASHINGTON, D.C. ­— The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded nine organizations in Maine a total of $689,821 for their Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

Head Start was established in 1965 to promote school readiness and provide a comprehensive array of health, nutritional, and social services to eligible four- and five-year-old preschoolers and their families.

Early Head Start services are available for eligible children age zero to three and pregnant women. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being.

The funding will be allocated as follows:

York County Community Action will receive $66,815

Community Concepts will receive $124,601

Midcoast Maine Community Action will receive $67,417

Downeast Community Partners will receive $48,456

Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care will receive $73,737

Penquis Community Action Agency will receive $110,456

Waldo Community Action Partners will receive $42,738

Aroostook County Action Program will receive $71,330

Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation will receive $84,271