Head Start Works, but the Trump Administration Is Undermining It ArticleOctober 16, 2026 Head Start Works, but the Trump Administration Is Undermining It Proposed changes threaten Head Start’s proven success in a move consistent with the administration’s position on the program—risking job losses, service cuts, and reduced access for vulnerable families. Oct 16, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Carter Nesmith
CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Program Performance Standards Key to Fulfilling the Head Start Promise ArticleOctober 8, 2026 CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Program Performance Standards Key to Fulfilling the Head Start Promise The Center for American Progress recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opposing a recent rule that would dramatically reduce the standards supporting Head Start governance, quality, and access. Oct 8, 2026 Hailey Gibbs
Trump Rule Changes Would Kneecap Head Start In the NewsJune 26, 2026 Trump Rule Changes Would Kneecap Head Start In an op-ed for The Progressive Magazine, Hailey Gibbs argues that a proposed Trump administration rule change would exacerbate child care shortages, keep educators trapped in poverty-level wages, and ultimately harm children and families. Jun 26, 2026 The Progressive Magazine Hailey Gibbs
CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Progress Toward Wage and Benefits Improvements for Head Start Workforce ArticleJune 11, 2026 CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Progress Toward Wage and Benefits Improvements for Head Start Workforce The Center for American Progress recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opposing the revocation of a 2024 rule improving Head Start staff and educator wages and benefits. Jun 11, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
The Nationwide Child Care Crisis: Addressing Affordability and Supply Shortages Past EventJune 4, 2026 The Nationwide Child Care Crisis: Addressing Affordability and Supply Shortages A discussion about new research, the impacts on families and communities, and the actions that leaders in Congress are taking now to build toward a child care system for the future that supports the nation’s youngest learners. Center for American Progress and Online via Zoom Jun 4, 2026
Nearly Two-Thirds of Governors Prioritize Child Care and Early Learning in Their 2026 State of the State Addresses ReportMay 26, 2026 Nearly Two-Thirds of Governors Prioritize Child Care and Early Learning in Their 2026 State of the State Addresses Amid federal funding cuts that strain state budgets, CAP analysis finds that governors are highlighting child care and early learning as priorities for their constituents. May 26, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
The Trump Administration’s Changes to the Child Care and Development Fund Would Strip Families of Thousands of Dollars in Potential Child Care Savings ArticleApril 13, 2026 The Trump Administration’s Changes to the Child Care and Development Fund Would Strip Families of Thousands of Dollars in Potential Child Care Savings Removing a 7 percent cap on child care copayments would put much-needed relief from rising child care costs out of reach for families in 10 states. Apr 13, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Progress Toward Improving Child Care Assistance for Low-Income Families ArticleFebruary 5, 2026 CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Progress Toward Improving Child Care Assistance for Low-Income Families The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the Department of Health and Human Services opposing the agency's efforts to roll back progress toward paying child care providers more fairly and lowering costs for families. Feb 5, 2026 Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks
Head Start Is a Model for Supporting Child and Family Mental Health ReportDecember 2, 2025 Head Start Is a Model for Supporting Child and Family Mental Health Amid a pronounced youth mental health crisis in the United States, Head Start stands out as a crucial model for addressing the needs of vulnerable young children. Dec 2, 2025 Hailey Gibbs
Child Care Professionals Are on the Front Lines as Climate Change Risks Children’s Health and Development ReportOctober 21, 2025 Child Care Professionals Are on the Front Lines as Climate Change Risks Children’s Health and Development Amid a changing climate and federal rollbacks to disaster relief and preparedness, early educators face an increasingly untenable child care landscape that will require state and local action. Oct 21, 2025 Hailey Gibbs, Nadia Gronkowski, Hester Paul, 2 More Joan Lombardi, Ph.D., Nsedu Obot Witherspoon
CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Affecting Head Start Eligibility Criteria ArticleAugust 14, 2025 CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Affecting Head Start Eligibility Criteria The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the Health and Human Services Department opposing the agency’s unprecedented notice requiring Head Start programs to verify citizenship status in order for families to qualify for services. Aug 14, 2025 Hailey Gibbs, Rosa Barrientos-Ferrer
‘We Are the Resources’: Head Start Is a Crucial Early Learning and Community Program for Families Nationwide VideoAugust 5, 2025 ‘We Are the Resources’: Head Start Is a Crucial Early Learning and Community Program for Families Nationwide Despite repeated attacks on the program, Head Start has a 60-year track record of providing high-quality services that prepare young children for school and set families up for success. Aug 5, 2025 Hailey Gibbs, Olivia Mowry, Toni Pandolfo