A strong Head Start program is built on stability, and that stability comes from a consistent and qualified workforce. Teachers, family service staff, bus drivers, and others, who show up every day for hundreds of thousands of eligible children and their families, are the heart of this program, and we must do everything we can to recruit, retain, and support them, including paying them a competitive salary. That requires increased federal investment. 

The President’s FY27 budget proposal maintains current funding levels for Head Start. However, while the proposed funding level maintains continuity with FY26 funding, it does not include an increase to account for rising operational costs, including workforce, food, fuel, rent, and utilities. 

With that in mind, we need every member of Congress to hear from as many of their constituents as possible – in a loud, clear, and unified voice – that Head Start needs increased funding in FY27 for a meaningful cost-of-living adjustment, quality improvement funding to maximize capacity and impact of the program, and additional support for nutritious food. 

PLEASE take two minutes to email your Members of Congress and urge them to support increased funding for Head Start in Fiscal Year 2027.