May
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has reversed course on a proposal to cut all funding for Head Start, a preschool and child-care program relied on by hundreds of thousands of low-income families. A spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget, who insisted on remaining unnamed, confirmed to USA TODAY on May 5 that the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget does not include changes to Head Start funding. A budgetary framework released May 2 did not mention Head Start or cuts…
When an early draft of President Trump's budget proposal threatened to defund the Head Start program that helps support nearly 800,000 children and their families nationwide, advocates like Jennifer Garner leapt into action. “There’s nothing more optimistic than reaching a kid when they’re young,” Garner said to NBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff. In fact, TODAY's own Craig Melvin was one of the kids who grew up with support from a Head Start program. “I’m a Head Start kid,” Craig told Jacob…
April
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2025 Michigan Head Start Association Media Contact: Robin J. Bozek, Executive Director, 517-374-6472, robin@michheadstart.org Proposed Elimination of Head Start in Federal Budget Raises Alarm Across Michigan and the Nation East Lansing, Michigan — Concerns are mounting across Michigan after the National Head Start Association (NHSA) was contacted by a USA Today reporter on Friday, reporting that President Trump’s proposed federal budget includes the complete…
For Immediate Release: April 2, 2025 Contact: Robin J. Bozek, robin@michheadstart.org, 517-374-6472 The Michigan Head Start Associaiton just learned yesterday that the Region 5 Office of Head Start was abruptly closed and all of the federal staff were placed on administrative leave until June without any warning. No information as of now has been sent to our communicated to Head Start grantees for who will provide support and the still-existing regional offices were already understaffed…
January
Head Start programs have had a positive and transformative impact on millions of children and families since its inception in 1965. While accountability and oversight are essential for any federally funded initiative, the recent Wall Street Journal opinion presents an incomplete and misleading portrayal of Head Start, failing to recognize its success in breaking cycles of poverty, improving school readiness, and providing critical health and family support services. Isolated cases of…
October
National Native American Heritage Month is observed every November, honoring the traditions, languages, and stories of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated island communities. This month—and throughout the year—we celebrate the rich cultures and histories of these remarkable groups, who contribute immensely to the character and quality of our nation. We recognize the incredible diversity of Indian Country and pay tribute to our veterans who have made significant…
Biden wants Head Start teachers to get a raise, but it's unclear who will pay for it: NPR We’re very pleased to see the first part of a three part podcast series produced by NPR in addition to a print article soon to be released. MHSA was grateful for the opportunity to work with NPR to help them tell the story around the wages and benefits issues created by the new Performance Standards pay parity requirement that all grantees are facing! https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5120898/biden-…
National Head Start Awareness Month is dedicated to highlighting the important work of Head Start in serving children and families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through quality education, health services, and family support. The observance is focused on raising awareness about the crucial role Head Start plays in empowering children with the opportunities and skills they need to thrive. It acknowledges the positive impact Head Start has had on low-income children and their…
September
National Literacy Month highlights the transformative power of reading. It underscores the crucial role literacy plays in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing Head Start participants with a strong foundation for later success. By fostering a love for books and language skills in young minds, Head Start equips children with the tools necessary to thrive academically and beyond. Head Start empowers the next generation to dream big, learn eagerly, and build brighter futures through the…
August
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month recognizes the importance of maintaining optimal vision and eye safety for children. Early childhood is a crucial period for identifying and addressing vision issues, and proper eye health is essential for children’s overall development and learning. Head Start is committed to providing comprehensive care to ensure the full potential of every child, and this includes vision and eye care. The Importance of Children’s Eye Health Vision is not merely…