Stand for head start
Head Start sets children up for success in every Congressional district in the nation.
Your one-stop-shop for information about Head Start and the impact this program has on the lives of children and families all across the U.S.
Head Start Program Core Elements
Over its 60-year history, Head Start has adhered to essential quality components while continuously improving and refining improve and refine its delivery of services through changes in both federal law and regulations.
To maintain the integrity of the Head Start program, organizations across the early learning landscape have aligned around five Core Elements that are fundamental to the program’s continued effectiveness and impact.
Funding Update
The House of Representatives approved five full-year spending bills on February 3rd, including funding for child care and early learning as part of Labor–Health and Human Services. The package was signed by President Trump later that day.
The FY2026 package included the following spending levels for key programs including $12.357 billion for Head Start, an increase of $85 million.
Information
Head Start Program Core Elements
MARCH 2026 – Across the early learning landscape, the Head Start Program1 is upheld as a benchmark for high quality early learning and care due to its commitment to a …
Funding for Head Start FY2026 Appropriations Process
Each year, Congress determines funding levels for all of the federal defense and non-defense discretionary programs, including those that support the care and education of children from birth through age …
American Families To Congress: End the Shutdown. Protect Head Start.
UPDATE: 11/13/25 After 43 days, the federal shutdown has officially ended. In the days ahead, Congress should act quickly to provide increased stability for families by passing a spending bill that …