Hi John - For 55 years, Head Start has helped provide a strong educational foundation for more than 37 million children. It is especially important in helping bridge the opportunity gap for Black and Latino children. 30% of children enrolled in Head Start are Black, and 37% Latino. Head Start programs around the country have heroically stepped up to meet challenging new needs during the pandemic. Programs in Tennessee are assisting families with food services. Programs in New York shifted to distance learning and have been offering school readiness programs this summer. They are now providing backpacks to kids heading off to kindergarten this fall with learning resources and face masks. To meet the needs of children in Head Start requires additional resources. Congress is debating the next stimulus package right now. It’s vital that Congress includes resources for Head Start to keep operating its high-quality program during the pandemic! Please ask your members of Congress to support additional funding for Head Start in the next coronavirus relief package. Head Start enables our nation’s most vulnerable kids to participate in high-quality early learning programs. Head Start has changed the course of children’s lives. Kids like Mi’Leyah. When she was a baby, Mi’Leyah’s mother could tell something was not right. After more doctor visits than she could count, she learned her little girl had a condition where her muscles are deteriorating. Fortunately, Mi’Leyah and her family have received ongoing, comprehensive support from Early Head Start. Because of this continued support, Mi’Leyah has made physical, emotional and social strides. She’s even taken a few steps all by herself. We need to ensure that Head Start can keep meeting the needs of children like Mi’Leyah during the pandemic. Please contact your members of Congress today! Unfortunately, even during normal times, funding for these programs doesn’t come close to meeting the need. Head Start reaches approximately 36% of eligible children while Early Head Start reaches just 11% of eligible kids. These programs are going to be even more important in the years ahead. The economic impact of the pandemic is sadly pushing even more kids into poverty. And young children who have been unable to participate in child care due to coronavirus are likely to be falling behind academically, making programs like Head Start even more vital. Contact your members of Congress today – Head Start is critical to our nation’s children! Thank you for being a voice for kids, | 
