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Head Start

For more than 60 years, Head Start has been a cornerstone of early education, serving nearly 40 million children. It provides high-quality early learning and comprehensive support to low-income families, preparing children for school, enhancing public health, and boosting local and state economies.

Head Start plays a vital role in addressing gaps in child care, especially in rural areas where licensed options are scarce. As a significant employer and a high-quality care provider that enables parents to pursue work, education, or job training, it substantially contributes to economic stability and growth.

Operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Tribal nations, and several U.S. territories, Head Start is a federal-to-local program deeply embedded in communities. Services are delivered through centers, homes, schools, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations. Despite enduring challenges, Head Start maintains strong bipartisan support and remains a proven model for high-quality early learning.

Related Team
Education
Early Childhood Policy

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Trump Rule Changes Would Kneecap Head Start In the News

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.

The Progressive Magazine

Hailey Gibbs

CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Progress Toward Wage and Benefits Improvements for Head Start Workforce Article

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.

Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks

5 Things To Know About Head Start Report
A child from the Hyde Park Head Start program plays under a parachute.

5 Things To Know About Head Start

Head Start provides educational, health, nutritional, and social services to hundreds of thousands of young children and their families every year, playing a critical role in the U.S. early care and learning landscape.

Casey Peeks, Allie Schneider

Head Start funding freeze: The panic was the point In the News

Head Start funding freeze: The panic was the point

In an op-ed published by the Wisconsin Examiner, Casey Peeks discusses Trump’s funding freeze and how it continues to affect Head Start programs across the country.

the Wisconsin Examiner

Casey Peeks

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