1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Protect vital Head Start program for children, families: Head Start provides critical early childhood education and support services that strengthen families and boost local economies. However, according to USA Today, recent disruptions like funding issues, staffing cuts, abrupt office closings, and threats to dismantle and eliminate the program have created "unnecessary fear and uncertainty" among Head Start staff, families, and communities about the program's future. Congress must protect Head Start from any efforts to undermine or eliminate this life-changing program that prepares children for school success, enables parents to work, and lifts families out of poverty, especially in rural areas where it may be the only early learning resource. A reliable federal commitment to Head Start is essential to avoid leaving children unprepared for school, depriving parents of the ability to work, and destabilizing vulnerable families. Please do your part to oppose any proposed cuts, disruptions, or elimination to Head Start funding and operations to ensure this vital program continues empowering communities nationwide without causing further "fear and uncertainty."