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Head Start programs that serve more than 58,000 of the nation’s neediest preschoolers are facing cuts in federal funding at the end of the month due to the government shutdown, leaving many scrambling to figure out how to keep their doors open.
The early education initiative is almost entirely funded by the federal government, making it particularly vulnerable to funding disruptions. The programs – which are run by schools, local governments and nonprofits – receive new grants annually and are not allowed to carry over unspent funds.
With the freeze on new grants, a half-dozen Head Start programs had already missed the federal disbursements they were expecting on Oct. 1 and are staying open with rapidly depleting reserves or the help of local governments. Another 134 programs will not receive federal funding due Nov. 1 if the government does not reopen, according to the National Head Start Association. In total, centers serving more than 65,000 children may be affected.
in Tallahassee, FloridaCapital Area Community Action Agency, Inc., said Interim CEO Nina Singleton Self. A Head Start program run by the U.S. is “smoking” after it stopped receiving federal funding at the beginning of the month. It is drawing down reserves, getting advances on city grants and taking out a line of credit, but those funds will run out this week.
To be open beyond that, asking yourself how many staff members will work without pay. She’s preparing them for financial uncertainty, advising them how to take loans out of their retirement accounts or apply to programs that will help them pay utility bills. It has also sought help from other non-profit organizations and philanthropic organizations.
“We’re reaching out to everything we can,” Self said.
Preschool centers count down the days they can remain open
Another organization in North Florida that operates eight rural Head Start centers for 365 children closed Oct. 1 and has just enough funding to keep its doors open through the end of November.
“After that … I don’t really know what to tell you,” said Michelle Ward, executive director of Suwanee Valley Community Coordinated Child Care.
Reka Strong, who leads the Vancouver, Washington-based organization that operates the Head Start centre, said there is some chance it will have to close around Nov. 1, when the organization typically receives its federal grant. He doesn’t see any other funding options.
Head Start leaders warn that closing a center even for a short period of time has cascading effects. The early education program provides students with medical check-ups and dental care as well as two meals a day. Many children attending Head Start have parents who work in hourly jobs, putting them at risk of losing work if they do not have child care.
“Every day this shutdown continues, programs are forced to make impossible choices to keep their doors open. Children Can’t wait,” said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.
Low-income families who rely on Head Start also face the possibility of losing other assistance. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children — known as WIC — nearly ran out of money because of the shutdown before the Trump administration provided $300 million to keep it running temporarily. The President’s “Big Beautiful Bill” also imposes cuts Medicaid And food stamps.
Head Start faces many challenges
Six decades ago, President Lyndon B. Launched as part of Johnson’s War on Poverty, Head Start has a history of bipartisan support, but this year faced calls to cut its funding.
A budget document revealed that the White House was considering closing Head Start entirely, a possibility that caused an outcry from both sides of the aisle before the administration backed down from the proposal. Project 2025, a comprehensive set of policy recommendations written by the conservative Heritage Foundation, recommends eliminating Head Start.
In January, Head Start operators struggled to access their federal funds due to problems with the government’s online portal. Some had to close temporarily.
The shutdown began when Congress failed to pass a bill to fund the government. In a standoff with the Trump administration, Democrats are pushing to expand a tax credit that makes health insurance affordable for millions of people. Americans and restoring Medicaid cuts. Without the tax credit, more than 20 million Americans on Affordable Care Act plans would see their health care costs increase.
Joel Ryan, Executive Director Washington The Head Start Association said it wants Congress to end the shutdown. But he said he also knows that many Head Start families and staff members rely on Medicaid and Affordable Care Act plans.
“I’m glad Democrats are fighting to restore health care access,” Ryan said. “I’m also really familiar with the effects of a government shutdown.”
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