New reporting from USA Today indicates the Trump Administration is considering eliminating Head Start programs nationwide in 2026, a move that local program leaders say would devastate thousands of families who rely on the service for childcare.
The Trump Administration already closed the regional Head Start office in Seattle this month.
“It’s devastating. There’s no other way to put it,” said Joel Ryan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP.
About 15,000 children use Head Start programs across Washington. Many families rely on Head Start for affordable childcare.
“The families that are in Head Start have very low income, and really depend on the Head Start services,” Ryan said.
Ryan says taxpayers save $7-9 for every dollar invested in Head Start.
“Kids that go to the Head Start program do better in kindergarten, they’re more prepared. They’re more likely to graduate high school and college and they even do better as adults,” he explained.
The cuts come at a bad time for state funding.
“Because of the state budget crisis, the state is pulling back on ECEAP and childcare. There really will be no other options for families if Head Start is eliminated,” Ryan warned.
Washington parents might still have the state-funded ECEAP program as an option, but Idaho has no alternative.
“Idaho will be detrimentally impacted because there’s not a lot of options for parents. In Idaho, there’s not a lot of additional dollars coming from the state,” Ryan explained.
Local Head Start programs aren’t sure about their future funding. Spokane Colleges said in a statement: “We will keep key stakeholders informed as soon as we receive any official updates. Right now, our priority remains staying connected with the children and families we serve.”
You can read the full statement from Spokane Colleges below:
We are continuing to monitor the situation but have not received any formal communication from the Office of Head Start regarding potential impacts on our program.We will keep key stakeholders informed as soon as we receive any official updates. Right now, our priority remains the same – staying connected with the children and families we serve and continuing to provide high-quality care and education that makes a difference in their lives.Chancellor Kevin Brockbank is actively advocating for our program. He has reached out to federal legislators who represent our district to ensure they are aware of the potential impact on our program and the families we serve.
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