Congress Passes $200 Million FY19 Increase for Head Start

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) welcomed final passage by Congress of Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget legislation which included a $200 million increase, specifically growing investment in the Head Start workforce and Child Care Partnerships.

“Head Start remains one of the most effective early intervention programs for children from at-risk backgrounds from birth to age 5, and this funding increase validates that track record,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “From early math and reading skills to confidence and resilience, Head Start helps children build the abilities they need to be successful in school and life. The bipartisan support for this funding bill further demonstrates that even leaders who have trouble agreeing on much concur that Head Start is a worthwhile investment in building our nation’s future.”

The appropriations bill increases funding for Head Start programs by $200 million over last year’s federal funding for the early childhood development program. The Senate passed the bill last week, the House cleared it today, and Republican congressional leadership expects the President to sign the bill before the new fiscal year begins October 1.

The bill provides a total of $10.1 billion for Head Start. The $200 million increase for FY19 comes on the heels of the $610 million increase NHSA helped secure in last year’s funding bill. The new funding will provide an additional $50 million to expand both Early Head Start and Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships, as well as a $150 million increase in funding to support the Head Start workforce.