About Head Start
Since 1965, Head Start has impacted the lives of more than 40 million children and families. Head Start’s proven benefits include increased workforce participation and economic stability for families, and better health, better preparation for kindergarten, and greater likelihood of graduating high school for children.
Current Threats to Head Start
Since the new federal administration began on January 1, 2025, they have sent mixed signals about their plans for Early Childhood Education in the U.S., including their plans for Head Start. Between a leaked budget memo proposing the elimination of the program, to significant delays in funding and approvals for grantees, and finally the closure of several regional offices – the chaos and confusion surrounding the future of Head Start has been unrelenting.
These actions have the potential to harm outcomes for children and fundamentally transform how Head Start and early childhood systems function. The next two years present a significant threat to the program – potential cuts to funding, and other regulatory changes that could cripple implementation of Head Start as we know it.
What You Can Do
In close partnership with our federal partners, the First Five Years Fund, and other national and regional partners, Start Early launched Stand for Head Start, a coalition to mobilize families, communities and policy makers to advocate for the sustainability of Head Start.
To support the Head Start programs and staff doing the work on the ground, our team has been holding office hours for state and regional head start associations and grantees, leading rapid response efforts, developing advocacy tools & messaging and providing technical assistance.
Since 1985, Start Early has provided 
