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Dear John,


October is Head Start Awareness Month – but this year, there's more at stake than ever before.


For 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality early education, nutritious meals, and comprehensive health services to nearly 700,000 children annually. It operates in every ZIP code across the U.S., and in many rural and under-served communities, it's the only reliable child care option families have.

But today, Head Start faces serious threats. The proposed FY 2026 budget would force Head Start programs nationwide to consider reducing enrollment, cutting hours or laying off staff. Fewer children would have access to quality early learning. Parents might be forced to leave the workforce. Vulnerable families could lose essential services.


The stakes are enormous – because Head Start transforms lives, and those lives, in turn, transform communities.
Stories like Wanotta's aren't exceptions. They're proof that Head Start is an investment in our children, our families, and our communities. Every $1 invested yields up to $9 in long-term benefits, including higher graduation rates, improved health outcomes, and increased lifetime earnings.


Learn how you can help–visit our
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Together for Head Start campaign page for resources, advocacy tools and ways to join the movement.


Every child in our nation deserves a fair shot at success—learn how you can help protect their access to Head Start.


Start Early



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