POLL: Strong Louisiana Support for Head Start Amid Federal Funding Uncertainty

As Head Start programs across Louisiana face financial hardship and closure due to the ongoing federal shutdown, new polling shows that Louisiana voters remain overwhelmingly supportive of the program and the benefits it brings to young children and families.

The poll, conducted by the Republican polling firm UpONE Insights for the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children and the First Five Years Fund, surveyed 500 registered voters statewide. Results show that nearly 70% of voters across Louisiana support Head Start, a program that provides care, education, nutrition, health screenings, and disability services for young children.

This is a particularly important moment for this support. If the federal shutdown continues past November 1, Head Start grantees across Louisiana will not receive the federal funding they need to operate. Programs could be forced to close, leaving families without reliable care and putting children at risk of losing the stability, education, and nutrition they depend on.

These essential Head Start services are also overwhelmingly popular among voters.

• 87% value specialized support for children with developmental delays or disabilities
• 85% value early learning programs that prepare children for school success
• 82% value health screenings and medical care
• 82% value healthy meals and snacks for children

“This poll underscores the importance of the Head Start program in the lives of Louisiana families,” said FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling.  “Head Start is a bedrock of communities, providing essential early learning and care to our youngest learners and their families. It’s time to end the government shutdown so Head Start programs can continue their good work without fear of closing.”

“Early Head Start and Head Start allow for stronger workforce participation now and in the future, supporting the success of more than 13,000 Louisiana children and their parents every year,” said Libbie Sonnier, PhD, CEO of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. “It’s one of the smartest investments we can make. We can’t afford to lose it.”