Extended government shutdown puts 177 local Head Start/Early Head Start children and families at risk

To the editor:

Highland County Community Action Organization (HCCAO), which serves 177 children and families in Highland County, Ohio warns that the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt services that local families rely on for education, nutrition and stability.

Like programs across the country, HCCAO will not be able to operate without receiving federal funding by November 1, 2025.  This is caused by the timing of the government shutdown and the beginning of our new fiscal operating year.  

Highland County families, employers, and small businesses will feel the effects within days. Head Start is one of the few early education providers in many rural areas—closure risks creating a lasting service gap and permanent loss of staff capacity.  If the shutdown continues, our program will be forced to close temporarily/or source other funds in and around our community. The local program needs at least $183,000 to cover one month of payroll and other expenses.

“For six decades, Head Start has helped millions of children and families build a foundation for success,” said Yasmina S. Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association (NHSA). “That mission shouldn’t be collateral damage in Washington’s political stalemate. Children cannot wait.”

We are doing everything we can to keep our classrooms open because our families depend on us. Parents need to work and go to school knowing their children are safe, learning, and cared for. But we can’t sustain this without federal support.

Head Start provides early education, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support to children who meet financial qualifications, as well as those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or with disabilities. In many rural and frontier areas, it is the only reliable early learning program – and the only child care that allows parents to work.

The shutdown has deepened financial pressures already facing Head Start programs. Flat federal funding since FY24 has meant a five percent real cut due to inflation, while costs for staff, transportation, and food continue to rise.

“Head Start programs are showing extraordinary resilience – they’re opening their doors every morning, even without knowing when the next check will come,” Vinci said. “That commitment is heroic. But resilience alone can’t keep the lights on. Washington must act now.”

NHSA and HCCAO are calling on Congress and the president to end the shutdown immediately, restore funding for Head Start programs, and pass a FY26 appropriations bill that includes a cost-of-living adjustment to sustain services.

ABOUT HCCAO Head Start/Early Head Start

HCCAO Head Start/Early Head Start has two centers in Highland County.  They are located in Hillsboro and Greenfield.  Both centers serve children from the ages of 6 weeks-5 years old.  Classes are open Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30.  Additionally, childcare is available from 6am-6pm Monday-Friday at both locations.  Applications for enrollment are accepted year-round.

ABOUT NHSA

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to realizing the promise of Head Start—that all children have a chance to succeed in school and in life. NHSA is the voice for approximately 750,000 children served by more than 250,000 staff every day across all 50 states.

Sincerely,
Valerie Williams
Deputy Director/Director of Early Learning Programs
Highland County Community Action Organization