STATEMENT: Protect Head Start. End the Shutdown.

As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, families are facing growing uncertainty and financial pressure. We have a clear message to Congress: America’s families need Head Start. End the shutdown immediately and protect this essential program.

If the shutdown continues past November 1st, 134 Head Start grantees in 41 states and territories will not receive their funding, putting tens of thousands of children at risk of losing access to Head Start and the services their families depend on. Without action, the consequences will only get worse.

The Stakes:

• 134 Head Start programs will not receive their operational funding on November 1 if the shutdown persists. (This is in addition to the six Head Start programs which went unfunded in October.)
• These programs operate across 41 states and territories and serve more than 65,000 young children with valuable care, education, nutrition, and disability services.
• With Head Start funding in jeopardy, programs are at risk of closure and thousands of families will face increased financial hardship and the stress of not having stable care for their children. 

First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling issued the following statement:

“For working families, quality child care isn’t optional. It keeps parents working, children learning, and communities thriving. Employers rely on it for a stable workforce, and children rely on it to build the skills that set the foundation for lifelong success.

It’s time for lawmakers to return to regular order and continue their important work in funding these programs through the Appropriations process. Families need support in finding and affording quality child care. The longer Congress wait to re-open the government, the greater the risk to children, families, and our overall economy. Congress must act now.”