The Friday Five: The Latest Child Care and Early Learning News

Friday, October 31

As the federal shutdown continues with no end in sight, news coverage this week focused on what this means for Head Start programs at the federal, state, and local level. Over 100 programs are facing a big deadline tomorrow.

Check out the stories and resources below for a quick refresher on where things stand:

1. The Washington Post reports in today’s Early Brief that federal programs like Head Start will face massive impacts if the shut down continues. They spoke with FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling to learn more.
2. First Five Years Fund and 129 other organizations issued a joint statement urging Congress to take action to protect Head Start by ending the federal shutdown now.
3. More reporting from NOTUS shares how lawmakers are discussing the shutdown on Capitol Hill and why advocates are saying it has to end. 
4. The Associated Press has the big picture look at how the shutdown could affect tens of thousands of children. 
5. Politico highlighted what’s next for Head Start programs facing closure in the coming days if the shutdown continues. 

Note: FFYF is tracking news coverage of the impact the shutdown is having on Head Start programs across the country HERE.

Friday, October 24

As the federal shutdown stretches into its fourth week, national coverage has zeroed in on its toll on Head Start — jeopardizing the early learning, nutrition, and stability that thousands of young children and families rely on across the country.

1. First Five Years Fund summed up what’s at stake in a new statement from Executive Director Sarah Rittling: “If the shutdown continues past November 1st, Head Start grantees in 40+ states and Puerto Rico 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.”
2. Education Week reports on how the prolonged federal shutdown is threatening Head Start programs nationwide, putting essential early education and support for thousands of children at risk.
3. NBC News also warned that Head Start programs “flash red lights” ahead of the November 1st deadline. They spoke with Michelle LaJoie, the executive director for a Head Start program in Michigan, who says, ““For many kids, children in our community, this is where they get nutritious meals.”
4. In Iowa, Our Quad City news spoke to Daniel Sheridan, CEO of Community Action of Eastern Iowa, a Head Start provider, about the importance of early education: “A child who receives early care and education and supports when they’re young end up being twice as likely to be kindergarten ready.”
5. In Kansas City, KCUR highlights the other services Head Start provides. According to the director of a local Head Start program, Kasey Lawson, “Head Start is more than just education. We also provide children and families with support services for mental health disabilities, health and nutrition services.”

Stay up to date HERE with the most up to date stats and stories related to Head Start and the shutdown. 

Friday, October 17

This week, both national and local press focused on the specific challenges that arise when working parents struggle to find and afford child care. 

1. 9News in Colorado reports that, due to a shortage of child care providers, some Colorado parents are leaving the workplace. 
2. The Mountain State Spotlight showcases parents in West Virginia who are feeling the child care strain. 
3. Public News Service highlights new polling from First Five Years Fund showing that families are about how hard it is to find and afford childcare, and they want Congress to take action.
4. Military families tell San Diego’s NBC7 that, as they continue to work without a paycheck during the ongoing federal shutdown, they are increasingly stressed about how to pay for child care.  
5. And First Five Years Fund is tracking the impact the federal shutdown could have on child care and early learning programs in its frequently updated State Of Play. 

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