CAPSULE COLLECTION: Head Start

IN A NUTSHELL

The Head Start program has served more than 40 million children in its 60-year history—giving kids a strong start through early learning, health, and nutrition services. Children are eligible if their family income is below the federal poverty level ($26,650 for a family of three and $32,150 for a family of four), they are in foster care, or they are experiencing homelessness. 

Federal funds go directly to local grantees in all 50 states who operate programs in rural, urban, and suburban communities and across a variety of settings, including centers, family child care, churches, and schools. Each program relies on input from parents and community members to ensure services are tailored and effective. Grantees serve more than half a million children each year. 

Head Start has had sustained and bipartisan support for decades, through eleven Administrations. 

FACTS AT-A-GLANCE

• 17,000: Head Start/Early Head Start centers operating nationwide, serving families in every Congressional district
• $26,650 or less: Income level at which a family of three qualifies for Head Start 
• 500,000: Parents employed, in school, or in job training

STATE-LEVEL STATS 

• Mapping Head Start Across States and Districts: FFYF’s interactive maps provide detailed data at both the state and congressional district levels, offering valuable insights into the children, families, and communities who depend on Head Start services.

FUNDING

• Funding for Key Early Learning Programs, FY2026: Head Start receives federal funding through the annual appropriations process in Congress – here’s a quick look at the levels suggested for FY26. 
• STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Senate Markup of FY26 Funding Levels for Child Care and Early Learning Programs

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR HEAD START

Across the political spectrum, Members of Congress have long understood the important role of Head Start in the lives of families with young children in their districts. As Congress continues negotiations around the FY26 budget, Members join “Dear Colleague” letters to underscore support for funding for specific programs. This year, a record number of freshman lawmakers and first time signers showed their support for Head Start.

• The Republican Head Start letter, led by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), had more signers (34) than in any of the past five years. 34% of them were first time signers.
• The Democratic Head Start letter, led by Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), also had unprecedented levels of support (185 overall) with 35 new signers, 18 of whom were freshman lawmakers.

• Republican Quotes of Support for Head Start 
• Democratic Quotes of Support for Head Start

Voters agree. In an April 2025 poll, four out of five (79%) voters say they support Head Start, including:

• 73% of Republicans
• 74% of Trump voters, 
• 76% of Independents 
• 86% of Democrats.

DEEPER DIVE: RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

• Head Start and Early Head Start overview: This overview provides a deeper look at Head Start – what it is, how it works, what it does. 
• Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships
• Stand for Head Start Stories: These are a few stories of the parents, advocates, and educators who have seen firsthand the powerful impact of Head Start.
• ⁠A Brief History and Overview of the Head Start Program

ACTIONS

Funding for Head Start is determined through the annual appropriations process in Congress. Senate Appropriators have advised an increase of $85 million for the program in FY2026. Today, it is important to urge House Appropriators to do the same, ensuring this important program can support states in better creating a safe, stable, effective child care system for families with young children.