This continuing federal government shutdown is putting a lot of stress on Head Start programs across the country. More than 140 centers are affected, putting about 65,000 preschoolers and hopeful parents in a deep bind. The shutdown has left many of these programs without the expected federal grants, resulting in significant disruptions to essential services that go beyond early education.
Deborah Mann, executive director of one of the impacted centers, testified to jaw-dropping figures. Over 90% of the families who rely on her program get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Each annuity dollar loss puts critical TEA-funded educational services at risk. It endangers their medical and dental screenings, school meals, and family support services—all critical to the communities they serve.
There are at least six other Head Start programs that were expecting to receive those grants in October, but still haven’t received any funding. This unexpected delay has hit them particularly hard, requiring them to make some tough choices—including furloughing roughly 900 employees in their five centers. The crisis has disproportionately affected centers in states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and Oklahoma. Yet these spaces are experiencing some of the most intense pressures.
At the Emmanuel Family and Child Development Center in Kansas City, Missouri, the effects have been felt—quite literally. Jhanee Hunt, an early childhood educator, teaches toddlers at the community action center. She noted the growing distress and fear of parents as they look for new food options.
“A lot of the parents, they’re, you know, going around trying to find food pantries,” – Jhanee Hunt
Many of these centers have been forced to seek out emergency funding from local municipalities and school districts in order to remain open. The lack of federal support nonetheless remains a formidable barrier.
Sarah Sloan, research director at the Alliance for Early Success, told us that all families are suffering from the shutdown.
“It’s hampering our families’ ability to put food on the table and to know that their children are safe during the day,” – Sarah Sloan
The personal, emotional and social cost has borne heavily on our families. Mann painted moving pictures of the anguish among parents as they deal with not knowing where their kids are going to be educated, or just even stay healthy.
“We’ve had parents crying. We’ve had parents just don’t know what to do,” – Deborah Mann
Children going to Head Start centers across the country just had to face their local centers sending them home with flyers threatening imminent closures. The mood has turned tense with worry as families hold their breath to see if their community programs will return to service.
Javier Gonzalez, CEO of the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project, said his centers would remain shuttered indefinitely. Or, they will stay closed until the U.S. government removes its prohibitive shackles. This ongoing uncertainty will continue to leave countless families without this important help when they need it the most.
“Children love school, and the fact that they can’t go is breaking their hearts,” remarked Sarah Sloan, highlighting the deep emotional impact of the closures on young learners.
In southern Washington state, Rekah Strong heads a social services nonprofit that runs 15 local Head Start centers. She went on to explain the lasting impacts that further government failure to invest in critical public services will have.
“If the government doesn’t open back up, we will be providing less services each week,” – Rekah Strong
The Head Start program was initiated over six decades ago as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Its mission has never wavered from ensuring that the most vulnerable families receive inclusive services. This most recent shutdown presents an unprecedented challenge to that agency being able to accomplish that mission.
As parents worry about their children’s futures and seek additional resources during this crisis, community support remains vital. Though things are still difficult, community leader Nina Self said she was proud of the collaboration that developed to help the most challenged families.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and our village has come together,” – Nina Self
The fate of these programs is now in limbo as families and their staff members wait for certainty on funding and services. The need for swift resolution is evident as communities rally together in hopes of preserving essential educational and social services for their youngest members.
