Head Start Celebrates 60 Years During Head Start Awareness Month

September 30, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is proud to announce Head Start Awareness Month this October, marking 60 years of providing comprehensive early childhood education and support to children and families across the United States.

Head Start serves approximately 750,000 children and families annually across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities. To date, Head Start has helped over 40 million children prepare for success in school and life.

Head Start programs partner with families and communities to help children from eligible backgrounds gain the skills and resources they need to succeed in school and in life. Early Head Start serves families from pregnancy to age 3, and Head Start Preschool serves children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Services may be delivered in centers, family child care homes, or through home visiting, and every program is tailored to local needs. Core elements include:

• Education: Building brain connections and self-confidence to prepare children for school.
• Health: Providing dental, health, and mental health services, nutrition guidance, and early identification of health needs.
• Parent Engagement and Support: Involving parents in program decision-making and supporting economic self-reliance, parenting skills, family strength, and workforce participation.
• Local Design: Reflecting each community’s strengths, priorities, and culture.

“Head Start has transformed the lives of generations of children and families,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “By supporting children from an early age, we are investing in the future of our country. Every child deserves access to the opportunities Head Start provides.”

Celebrating Head Start Awareness Month
Throughout October, programs, parents, alumni, and advocates nationwide will highlight Head Start’s impact and legacy. Supporters and the Head Start community are encouraged to share stories and accomplishments using #HeadStartAwareness and #HeadStart60 on social media.