Federal Policy

Protect Head Start

Nebraskans must remain vigilant in their support for this crucial program serving vulnerable children and families

Head Start is a crucial lifeline for thousands of children and families throughout our state, especially those facing significant economic hardship that can affect the early development of our youngest Nebraskans. For some time, concerns have been mounting about the future of Head Start and the important services and supports it provides to families. While the White House’s initial budget request for FY 2026 did not specifically cut Head Start funding, Congress has final say on the federal budget.

Any cut to Head Start, no matter how small, would create ripple affects that weaken our state’s economy, communities and the future of Nebraska families. Even if funding remains at its current level, Head Start will be unable to keep up with the rising costs of delivering its services to families in need. Now is the time to remain both vigilant and vocal with federal lawmakers about not just protecting, but increasing funding to this vital program that has enjoyed bipartisan support for the past 60 years.

Why Head Start matters to Nebraska

Head Start funding supports the capacity for more than 5,500 children and employs a wide array of teachers, home visitors, health and nutrition staff and others throughout the state.
Head Start leads families to economic self-sufficiency and helps them find a pathway to independence and success.
Data from surveys of Nebraska parents shows that even when families are facing economic challenges, children who attend Head Start, on average, are on par and likely slightly ahead of children in similar circumstances. Data also shows that children with special needs who attend Head Start are doing much better than children with special needs who do not attend Head Start.
Head Start programs are in 56 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.
Head Start is crucial to ensuring access to quality child care in both urban and rural areas of Nebraska by offering comprehensive, reliable child care that supports both families and the local workforce.
Nebraska’s does not have enough child care to meet the needs of working parents, with 15% fewer child care spots than children who need them. The elimination of Head Start could increase Nebraska’s child care capacity gap by as much as 4%, exacerbating an already existing crisis.
Every Head Start dollar stays in the community, supporting jobs, purchasing supplies and helping to keep the local economy strong.
Every dollar invested in Head Start returns $7 – $10 in long-term benefits through better education, health, and employment outcomes.

Stay Informed

TAKE ACTION

Tell our nation’s lawmakers why protecting Head Start should be a priority. Here’s how to get involved:

Call or write to Nebraska’s federal delegates today to tell them that you support not only continued, but increased funding for Head Start and the services it provides for Nebraska’s children, families and communities.