Head Start and early head start are at Risk — Here’s How You Can Help

The President’s proposed budget calls for the elimination of Head Start and Early Head Start — a devastating move that would directly harm our most vulnerable children, working parents, and local economies.

In the Thumb region alone, we serve over 150 infants and toddlers through Early Head Start, and more than 3,000 children across four counties are eligible for services. These aren’t just numbers — they’re real families counting on a program that delivers life-changing support.

Head Start and Early Head Start Work — for Families, for Communities, and for the Economy

Let’s be clear: eliminating Head Start is not fiscally responsible — it’s fiscally short-sighted.

• Smart Investment, Strong Return
  For every $1 invested in Head Start, taxpayers see up to a $9 return through better education, health, and reduced need for public assistance and intervention. That’s not spending — that’s smart, conservative investment in America’s future.
• Empowering Families, Not Bureaucrats
  Head Start helps parents go to work, lift themselves up, and create better lives for their children. It’s real freedom, real opportunity, and stronger families — not bigger government.
• Local Jobs and Community Support
  Head Start and Early Head Start dollars stay local — funding trusted teachers, home visitors, and programs right here in our community. It’s a program that understands our families, our values, and our needs.
• Better Start, Better Outcomes
  Children in Head Start and Early Head Start are more likely to graduate, stay out of trouble, and lead productive lives. Cutting this program means more costs later — in schools, healthcare, and even the justice system.
• Stronger Families, Less Dependency
  This is a hand up, not a handout. Head Start and Early Head Start set families on a path toward independence, helping parents find jobs, complete their education, and raise children who thrive.

Real Local Stories That Show Why Head Start and Early Head Start Matters:

The lives of local children and families are directly impacted by Head Start and Early Head Start; eliminating it would erase the hope and opportunity that these programs offer. Here are some real stories of what we’re seeing firsthand in the Thumb:

• A local mom, during a home visit, mentioned she always wanted to be a nurse, but hadn’t finished high school. Our staff connected her to a GED program, then helped her enroll in an LPN program. Now, she’s well on her way to becoming an RN and providing a better life for her family.
• One infant in our Early Head Start program was flagged for a vision concern during a routine screening. That early detection led to the discovery of a rare ocular tumor — treated in time because of our early intervention.
• Many of our former staff have gone on to make lasting changes in our community — becoming leaders in local education programs, licensed therapists, and even state-level advocates.