Norwich - Two community service providers in the region will receive more than $600,000 in federal grants to expand Early Head Start programs.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney announced Saturday that Thames Valley Council for Community Action will receive $368,102, and EASTCONN Regional Education Center will receive $250,491. The federal grants are funded through the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Early Head Start Program with money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"This additional funding comes at a critical time across eastern Connecticut and will make a significant impact on the success of Head Start,'' Courtney said in a prepared statement. "I was proud to support both TVCAA and EASTCONN throughout this competitive grant process, and am certain that this funding will benefit countless children and families throughout the region."

Head Start provides programs to develop cognitive, social and emotional development for low-income children. It also emphasizes the involvement of parents.