Advocacy powers Head Start and Early Head Start.
As the power behind our nation's flagship early learning program, Head Start and Early Head Start staff instinctively advocate for children, families, their workplaces, and their communities. NHSA's legislative and political advocacy advances the profession and the cause of our youngest learners. NHSA's members and advocates work in every part of the preschool universe—from the classroom, to providing support to new and expecting families at home, to driving buses, and more—and NHSA has affiliate organizations in every state and region of the nation.
Take Action for Head Start
Take Action for Head Start: Congress needs to hold the line for Head Start as it works toward finalizing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025.
Join NHSA’s Head Start Advocacy Network
NHSA’s mission is to coalesce, inspire, and support the Head Start community as a leader in early childhood development and education. We work diligently for policies that ensure all eligible children and families have what they need to succeed. We rely on your voice for our advocacy and engagement in Washington, D.C., and across the…
Sign-On Letters
NHSA leads and joins letters to those in positions of power requesting that they take action.
Federal Register Comments
NHSA files written submissions on issues related to Head Start in the Federal Register.
Congressional Testimony
NHSA routinely provide testimony to the Senate and House committees of Congress.
Explore NHSA's Advocacy Tools
Recording: Advocacy: What is it? How to do it!
Program: Advocacy: What is it? How to do it! Description: The lack of funding needed so that programs can implement the Final rule without having to cut large numbers of children and their families from programs has put Head Start in a funding crisis. We need everyone to step up their advocacy capacity and skills. This webinar…
Recording: Head Start Advocacy: Voting Counts!
The Recording of Head Start Advocacy: Voting Counts! shares how Head Start parents and programs can support voter registration and more.
Advocacy Network Sign-Up Flier
Programs can share this flier with families and encourage them to sign up for NHSA’s advocacy alerts.
Head Start Advocacy Webinar Series
In the Head Start Advocacy Webinar Series our experts share how to develop strong trust with politicians, parents, and community members.
Explore NHSA's Policy Resources
NPRM Response & Summary
The Head Start community’s collective response to the Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming NPRM.
Confronting Head Start’s Workforce Crisis
Between low compensation, challenging job conditions, and better opportunities with better pay, the Head Start workforce is in crisis.
Lead Exposure & Safe Drinking Water
This resource helps individuals and Head Start programs assess potential risks of exposure to lead through drinking water.