2026
Parents and program staff, we need you! Join Parents Unite and work with us and the National Head Start Association on our parent-driven campaign to strengthen Head Start!
Parents Unite is a nationwide, strategic campaign to raise parents’ voices at this critical time for Head Start and share their experiences with lawmakers about the importance of Head Start for children, families, and communities.
Parents Unite is for everyone – parents, caregivers, staff, directors, and supporters.
Our centerpiece action this April is to have every member of Congress meet with a group of current Head Start parents from at least one of their programs. In order to reach our goal, we need parents and programs from every district in the country to participate in Parents Unite.
Click here to join Parents Unite today!
To learn more about Parents Unite, go to parentsunite.nhsa.org, or watch the recording of the January 20 Parents Unite national Zoom webinar to hear more about this exciting opportunity.
Our goal to have every member of Congress meet with a group of current Head Start parents from at least one of their programs in April is ambitious. We need your participation to succeed. In April, many of these visits must happen while your representatives are at home during recess for the first two weeks of the month. The remaining visits will happen in Washington, D.C., when a select group of parents from all the associations will come to D.C. April 21 to 23, 2026, to meet with their senators and representatives.
We know this is a tremendous undertaking. This is the time to be brave and step up. We will provide support, training, learning sessions, more parent zoom meetings, so parents can successfully use their voices in ways that are accessible and meaningful.
2025
Act Now to Save Head Start
- Sign the Campaigns: Collective action moves mountains.
Adding your name to active campaigns shows that Head Start has strong public support. Every signature helps demonstrate how much our communities value early learning and family support programs.
- Write a Letter: Your voice can shape policy.
Sending a letter to elected officials is one of the most direct ways to influence decisions that affect Head Start. A personal message—especially from someone impacted by these programs—helps leaders understand the real-world importance of their votes.
- Media Talking Points: Equip yourself to speak with confidence.
These tools help you communicate clearly and effectively about Head Start, whether you’re speaking to a neighbor, a reporter, or a community group. Prepared advocates make a stronger impact.
Take 2 Minutes for 2 Actions
- Send a message to your members of Congress urging them to protect Head Start:
nhsa.org/take-action - Sign a special letter directly to President Trump:
go.nhsa.org/action
NHSA National Call to Action Video Recording
Watch this! Get motivated! Many have come before us to successfully advocate for Head Start. Together, we can do this!
Head Start Facts – By the Numbers
View all fact sheets at nhsa.org
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a federally funded initiative that delivers high-quality early childhood education, health care, and family support services to children from birth through age five. Launched 60 years ago by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of the War on Poverty, the program is grounded in the belief that every child—regardless of background—deserves a strong foundation.
The first five years of life are critical for a child’s growth. It’s a time when young minds are open, sensitive, and highly influenced by their environment. Head Start steps in during this key window to support development when it matters most.
Backed by research, Head Start has been shown to make a meaningful, lasting impact. It promotes development across all key areas — helping children build social-emotional skills, develop school readiness in literacy and math, and gain access to essential health services, including vision and dental care, developmental screenings, and nutritious meals.
However, Head Start’s impact reaches beyond the classroom. The two-generation program takes a whole-family approach, partnering with parents and caregivers to support their goals in parenting, mental health, recovery, education, career advancement, housing stability, and overall well-being. Whether it’s earning a diploma, finding employment, or securing safe housing, Head Start stands beside families on their journey.
At the heart of all this is trust. The success of Head Start lies in the strong, supportive relationships it builds with children and families. By creating a safe, supportive environment where families feel seen and valued, Head Start makes real, lasting change possible.
Head Start Funding
In 2024, the federal government invested about $12 billion in Head Start programs across the country. Virginia received $173.9 million of that funding to support children and families statewide. This investment transforms lives—but it’s not enough.
Despite holding the same credentials as public school teachers, the average Head Start teacher earns just $20 an hour. Many staff members earn wages similar to the low-income families they serve. As a result, programs are struggling to retain qualified educators. With better-paying, less demanding jobs available elsewhere, this staffing crisis is affecting both the availability and quality of services.
It is important to understand that the consequences extend well beyond early education.
When families lose access to consistent, high-quality care like Head Start, many parents are forced to cut work hours—or leave their jobs altogether. This creates a ripple effect that impacts local businesses, community stability, and the broader economy. Head Start doesn’t just serve children — it keeps families working and local economies running.
Right now, Head Start is in jeopardy. Advocates nationwide are fighting to protect existing funding. Without it, tens of thousands of children and families could lose access to services that are not only beneficial—but absolutely essential.
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