Start Early today announced the launch of the Head Start Future Thinking Project, a national initiative designed to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Head Start at a pivotal moment for the program and the families it serves.
For 60 years, Head Start has expanded opportunities for children and families across the country. Today, the risks are real: funding delays, reduced federal supports and changes to program requirements could significantly impact access and quality. The moment calls for bold leadership and coordinated action.
At the center of the initiative is a diverse, cross-sector Advisory Committee that will play an active leadership role throughout the effort. Committee members will engage directly with research and field data, elevate lived experiences, and work alongside Start Early to shape and refine a forward-looking Blueprint for Head Start’s future and its funding.
Through this collaborative effort, Start Early and its partners will:
- Conduct national field engagement — including research review, focus groups, surveys, and interviews
- Elevate the lived experiences of families, providers, and alumni
- Convene and activate the Advisory Committee as co-creators of the work
- Develop a forward-looking Blueprint for Head Start’s future and its funding
