Head Start and Early Head Start are federal programs that provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent engagement services to children from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children birth to three, and Head Start serves children ages three through five. Decades of research show that these programs improve school readiness, strengthen families, and support local communities.   

Action is needed now to ensure that federal investments in Head Start are protected as Congress negotiates the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Without federal funding, over 750,000 children could lose access to these critical services and hundreds of thousands of parents and caregivers may not be able to go to work to support their families.  This is particularly true in rural communities where Head Start programs may be the only available child care option. 

Ask your Member of Congress to preserve the federal investment in Head Start, helping set up our children and their families for success in school, in work, and in life.