1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support the Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act, H.R. 5774, which aims to protect and restore the Head Start program, which has been a key initiative in early childhood education since 1965. This legislation introduces amendments to the existing Head Start Act with several key components: Ensuring the continued operation and integrity of the Head Start program and to prevent any proposals aimed at eliminating this program. The Act emphasizes the importance of Head Start in enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of eligible children. Establishing the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, which will maintain a central office and 12 regional offices that were operational before January 20, 2025, and reconstituting the internal organizational structure present in the Office of Head Start before that date. Retaining full staffing levels that carry out critical functions including policy direction, budget planning, and oversight of operations, including a program manager in each regional office. Limiting the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services over the Office of Head Start, so that s/he must provide notice and justification to Congress and the public at least sixty (60) days before proposing any changes to the Office of Head Start. The Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025 underscores the value of the Head Start program in providing critical services to underprivileged children and families, ensuring its sustained operation and the resources necessary to continue supporting these communities effectively. I urge you to support H.R. 5774 in committee, on the floor, and when a vote comes up for its consideration. Thank you.