2026 Early Head Start and Head Start
Head Start has a long history of giving kids a strong start through comprehensive early learning, health, and nutrition services. Across the early learning landscape, the Head Start Program is upheld as a benchmark for high quality early learning and care due to its commitment to a comprehensive, development-focused strategy, its approach to parent engagement, and its innovative local design.
In 2026, we are focused on continuing to bolster overall support for this essential program at the federal level.
STATE OF PLAY
April 2026: Congress is currently determining funding levels for essential federal child care and early learning programs, including Early Head Start/Head Start.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 15,000: Early Head Start/Head Start centers operating nationwide, serving families in every Congressional district
- $27,320 or less: Income level at which a family of three qualifies for Head Start
- 70%: Parents employed, in school, or in job training
In an April 2025 poll, four out of five (79%) voters said they support Head Start, including:
- 73% of Republicans
- 74% of Trump voters,
- 76% of Independents
- 86% of Democrats.
2026 TIMELINE
- June 9th: The House Appropriations Committee approved the Labor-H bill with its proposed increase for Early Head Start/Head Start.
- June 4: The House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) Appropriations Subcommittee released its FY2027 funding proposal, proposing a $10 million increase for Early Head Start/Head Start.
- May 12: Restoring Flexibility to Support Head Start Program Access and Quality is published. Read FFYF’s “State of Play” here.
- May 11: As part of a “Child Care Reform Package”, the Administration issued a Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
- April 3: White House budget released with proposed level funding for Early Head Start/Head start
- March 25: The child care and early learning community sends Congressional appropriators a Community Letter calling for increased funding in FY27
- March 25: Deadline for House Dear Colleague letters in support of FY27 child care and early learning funding.
What’s Next:
- Floor vote on House Labor-H proposal
- Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee releases its proposal.
- September 30: End of the Fiscal Year. Congress must pass a spending package by midnight, a temporary “Continuing Resolution” to buy more time to pass a package, or face a government shutdown.
Essential Reading
Resources
Head Start and Early Head Start: The Program Overview
This one-pager provides data and information on how Head Start works and who it serves.
Building the Foundation: Head Start Strengthens Early Learning Nationwide
This resource highlights Head Start’s foundational role in state and local early learning systems.
CAPSULE COLLECTION: Head Start
This one-stop-shop collection of the top facts, resources, and data around Head Start and Early Head Start.
Head Start Program Core Elements
This document includes the five elements that are essential to the program’s integrity, as supported by national, regional, and state organizations around the country.
State Of Play: Rules and Regulations
As part of a “Child Care Reform Package” released on May 11, the Administration issued four separate policy actions: a Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Final Rule, a Temporary Assistance for Need Families (TANF) Information Memorandum, and a CCDF Dear Colleague Letter.
Video
Video: Stand for Head Start
A short video highlighting the big difference Head Start makes in the lives of families.
Polling
POLLING: Rural Voters on Child Care and Head Start
Recent survey found that rural Americans says money is tight, and child care is a significant part of that burden.
Quotes
Republican Quotes of Support for Head Start
Quotes from Republican Members of Congress expressing support for Head Start and the impact it has on the communities they serve.
Democratic Quotes of Support for Head Start
Quotes from Democratic Members of Congress expressing support for Head Start and the impact it has on the communities they serve.
What you can do
Congress, please protect and prioritize child care and early learning funding in FY27 Appropriations packages. This includes strengthening and prioritizing investments in trusted federal child care programs including the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Head Start & Early Head Start, and Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5).
