Increase access to high-quality, comprehensive federal early childhood programs
We support Head Start and Early Head Start, federally funded, locally administered programs that provide quality, comprehensive early childhood development services to preschool-aged children, infants and toddlers. Head Start supports development of the whole child and promotes school readiness by providing educational, health, nutritional and social services to enrolled children, while also supporting their families. Head Start has proven results. Children who participate are school ready, less likely to need special education, and more likely to graduate high school and go on to college.
Despite serving over a million low-income children, fewer than half of eligible children are able to benefit from Head Start and less than 5 percent participate in Early Head Start.
We believe in Head Start’s mission of providing comprehensive, quality early childhood services to children and their families. Join us in advocating for increased funding for the program so more eligible children and families can benefit.