With continued changes in the Trump Administration affecting key federal programs,
Proposed budget cuts to Head Start could put the future of America’s most vulnerable children at risk.

Established in 1965, project Head Start aimed to support preschool aged children from low income and rural families — Including those in foster care or experiencing homelessness.

Today, more than 50 million children rely on the program for emotional, social, and psychological needs — but if eliminated, early education and child care for families could be devastating.

As the White House prepares its budget request for the 2026 fiscal year, veteran educators like Shandrea Thorne are raising concerns about the disproportionate impact on children within the area.

“It makes me feel like ‘Do you want us to fail?’ Cause why are you cutting Head Start funding and nobody else funding like that — Because Head Start is money, so they’re probably moving that education money somewhere they don’t need it.” said Thorne.

With preschool classrooms shutting down nationwide since Janurary, educators like Thorne are urging parents and caregivers to seek out community resources — like free tutoring and further enriching activities to keep children on track developmentally.