Head Start Call to Action!

URGENT: Head Start is at risk of being eliminated — we need your voice NOW!

On Friday, the National Head Start Association was contacted by a USA Today reporter who shared alarming news: President Trump’s proposed budget may include eliminating the entire Head Start program.

While we haven’t seen the official budget document yet, this potential proposal is deeply concerning. It mirrors recommendations made in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which includes dismantling Head Start. The current Director of the Office of Management and Budget — where the President’s budget is being developed — has been linked to Project 2025.

Here’s why this matters:

• Head Start works.
  For nearly 60 years, Head Start has helped more than 40 million children and families build strong foundations through early education, health care, and family support. It serves over 800,000 children and pregnant women every year — offering a safe, reliable place for families to grow and succeed.
• It’s essential for working families.
  Without Head Start, hundreds of thousands of parents may lose their ability to work due to lack of child care. This would have a devastating effect not just on families, but on local economies and communities.
• It provides more than just learning.
  Head Start delivers critical health screenings, nutritious meals, dental care, and developmental support. In many rural and underserved areas, it’s the only available service of its kind.
• It pays off.
  According to Nobel laureate economist James Heckman every $1 invested in Head Start returns about 13% in long-term benefits — in education, employment, and health outcomes. Head Start breaks cycles of generational poverty, parents who went to Head Start as children are less likely to qualify for Head Start and other government assistance programs when they have children of their own. Head Start staff contribute $45 million annually to the state economy on rent/utilities, gas, food, and supplies.
• This isn’t final — but we must act now.
  The President’s budget is only a proposal — it must still go through Congress. That’s why your voice matters right now. We believe that Congress will stand with families, but they need to hear from all of us to stop this before it moves any further.

PLEASE TAKE 2 MINUTES to contact your Members of Congress. Tell them you oppose any effort to eliminate or cut funding for Head Start.

Click here to send a message today:
https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/HeadStart/Campaigns/125064/Respond

Then share this post and tag friends, family, coworkers — anyone who believes in giving every child a fair start.