An early learning child care center in Bridgeport says it will be forced to close its doors this week if the looming government shutdown happens.

Officials at the Action for Bridgeport Community Development Center say their center is in jeopardy because their Head Start program is federally funded.

Head Start is a program that provides child care and education for low-income families. With 13 centers in and around Bridgeport, it is where 1,200 kids spend their weekdays.

"Having to close the doors to our families who depend on us from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to keep their child in a safe, healthy learning environment - getting breakfast and lunch and a healthy snack - is a drastic major impact to the families," says Stacy Ruebenacker, site manager at ABCD.

On Monday, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Chris Murphy met the kids they say they want to protect. Both officials are vowing to fight in Washington to keep the center and the government running.

ABCD also says it employs about 300 people who won't get paid if the government shuts down.