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Protect the Future of Head Start
Join the Movement: Together for Head StartDear John,
Head Start has endured months of disruption, including funding freezes and delays, a leaked memo suggesting its elimination, stalled approvals, and regional office closures. In May, we learned that the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposes flat funding. Without adjustment for inflation and demand, flat funding will not be enough to continue serving the nearly 700,000 families currently enrolled in Head Start and the many more who remain unserved.
In response to these urgent threats, Start Early launched Together for Head Start – a nationwide campaign to build support among early childhood professionals, families and advocates. In collaboration with a broad coalition of national and regional allies, we are developing advocacy tools, providing office hours for Head Start associations and grantees, and hosting public webinars.
Will you join us to preserve the future of Head Start? |
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New Webinar Series featuring Head Start Experts
Webinars for Head Start Champions and Changemakers Check out our new webinar series - Together for Head Start: A Series for Champions and Changemakers. This multi-part series is designed to equip Head Start grantees, early childhood educators, and advocates with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to protect and strengthen Head Start at every level. From understanding federal funding and enrollment challenges to mastering media outreach and building state-level coalitions, each session offers timely insights and actionable guidance.
Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned leader, you'll gain practical skills to:
- Navigate policy and funding landscapes
- Engage with Congress and state partners
- Mobilize your community and amplify your message
- Take immediate action to support Head Start locally and nationally
Our next webinar on July 1 will offer support to Head Start grantees navigating the Full Enrollment Initiative process.
Register for upcoming webinars and view past recordings here. |
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New Child Care Resource for State Systems Leaders
A Guide to Improving Participation in Your State’s Child Care Subsidy System The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) helps nearly 900,000 low-income families across the country pay for child care so the parents can work, get job training, or go to school. The funding from CCDBG goes directly to about 225,000 local child care providers where these families are enrolled, helping to support the supply of child care in communities across the country.
The Administration for Children & Families sets the parameters for the use of this critical child care funding, providing implementation guidance for states. On top of these federal rules, many states establish additional requirements, which can make it quite challenging for families to access support.
Researchers at the Urban Institute created a guide to help policymakers and advocates simplify state rules to ensure more families and providers can access child care subsidies. Start Early Director of Consulting, Judy Reidt-Parker, contributed her expertise to this guide, which includes easy-to-follow steps to assess and improve state systems.
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Timely Policy Resources
ICYMI – Articles and Briefs for Advocates and Public Sector LeadersFederal Budget: Check out these resources to better understand the potential impact of the President’s FY26 budget and the recently passed House budget on key programs serving children and families.Take Action: Support children with disabilities and developmental delays by advocating for IDEA funding. Head Start: Read what other national experts are saying about the current fight for Head Start. Looking for support to address the challenges or opportunities in your ECE system?
Our Start Early Consulting Team is here to support early childhood systems leaders and advocates. Reach out to us at [email protected].
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