There will be one less classroom of children when Hernando Head Start begins classes later this month.
"We did have to look at eliminating a teacher position and a teacher assistant position," said Heidi Rand who is in charge of the Head Start programs for Hernando, Sumpter, and Volusia counties.
Since the Sequestration cuts went into effect, Rand's staff has had to make some tough decisions. Now, they are just hoping they don't have to make more.
"Right now we are a comprehensive program and that's what Head Start is all about, a comprehensive program," said Rand. "And with more cuts there's no way that we can have a comprehensive program and have a staff that are highly qualified."
Staff members like Nellie Colon who is busy getting her classroom ready for the kids to come back on August 19. Colon knows first-hand how important the Head Start program is.
"It is because I know that Head Start works," said Colon. "I was actually a teen parent and Head Start helped me. So, Head Start does work. What they want is what's best for the kids. It's a good foundation for the kids."
That is why Colon and every other staff member gave up their retirement benefits.
Now, they have even agreed to shorten their work week by a half hour.
Rand hopes that will be enough for awhile.
"The hard part really though is the waiting game," she said.
Mid Florida Community Services which operates the Head Start program cut one teacher and one aide from each of the three counties it serves. A family advocate case worker also had to be eliminated.