The current administration is urging Congress to terminate funding for the Head Start program, which would impact early education access for over 500,000 of the nation’s most disadvantaged children and disrupt childcare support for their families. This proposal is detailed in a 64-page internal draft budget document, revealing plans for significant budget reductions at the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency responsible for overseeing Head Start. Although the proposal is in its initial stages as the White House readies its budget request for the fiscal year 2026, it remains uncertain whether lawmakers will approve these cuts.
While Congress often disregards presidential budget requests, the suggested elimination of Head Start underscores administrative priorities as efforts to reform U.S. education continue. The draft indicates a cessation of funding for Head Start, aligning with goals to return educational control to states and increase parental involvement. The federal government, according to the document, should not impose curriculum, location, or performance standards for any educational program.
Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services have not commented on the proposal. Since assuming office, the administration has pledged to dismantle the Department of Education, banned diversity initiatives in schools, and restricted funding at elite universities to instigate changes at institutions perceived as promoting liberalism and antisemitism.
This year, Head Start has already faced challenges, including layoffs, funding delays, and a temporary technical issue that affected preschool providers’ access to their federal accounts. The schools that maintain Head Start classrooms, both private and public, heavily depend on federal aid. Recent funding disruptions have led some preschools to temporarily close, impacting thousands of low-income families who rely on consistent childcare to maintain employment.
The National Head Start Association expressed significant concern over the proposal to cease funding the longstanding program, warning it represents a failure to invest in the country’s future. Eliminating Head Start funding would severely impact at-risk children and their families, as the program offers more than preschool education by providing meals, health screenings, and foundational support for children who might otherwise fall behind before entering kindergarten.
Funding delays have already resulted in some Head Start classroom closures since January, with federal allocations dropping to $1.6 billion from January 1 through recent days, compared to $2.55 billion during the same period last year. This data was analyzed by the office of Senator Patty Murray, who has criticized the administration for intentionally delaying congressionally appropriated funding.
Murray emphasized that the administration prioritizes tax breaks over helping families with preschool and basic health services, vowing that Democrats will not allow such proposals to succeed in Congress. However, she cautioned that Head Start and similar programs remain under significant threat due to potential administrative actions against them.
Operating nationwide, Head Start is essential for many parents who rely on its services while working or attending school. Its significance is highlighted by its bipartisan support since its inception during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Nonetheless, some Republicans have pointed to the program’s shortcomings and have criticized increased funding initiatives. The conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 even advocates for the program’s complete elimination.
The Bottom Line
The proposed elimination of funding for Head Start could have profound implications on the daily lives of families across the United States. For low-income families, the loss of Head Start would mean reduced access to affordable childcare, thereby challenging parents’ ability to maintain employment or further their education. This disruption would not only affect individual families but could also have broader economic impacts, as workforce participation rates may decline.
Beyond childcare, Head Start plays a crucial role in leveling the playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing essential services such as meals and health screenings. Without this foundation, many children could face greater challenges in academic readiness and overall well-being, potentially widening the educational gap and impacting their long-term opportunities.
The broader community may also feel the effects if closures result in fewer educational opportunities and increased demand for alternative childcare solutions, possibly leading to higher costs and reduced availability. As the debate continues, the outcome of this proposal will likely shape the landscape of early childhood education and social support services for years to come.