The untiring voice that will not be quiet until every child has access to the Head Start model of support.
Advocacy is a pillar of early childhood education. Head Start staff instinctively advocate for their students, in their workplaces, and in their communities. NHSA's legislative and political advocacy advances the profession and the cause of our nation's 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.
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Take Action: The Head Start Workforce is in Crisis
Ask Your Members of Congress to Support Head Start Workforce. Compensation for the early childhood workforce, including Head Start, ranks in the lowest 10% of professions. Low pay has caused an unprecedented turnover of Head Start staff and threatens the ability of Head Start programs to reach and serve the children who need us most.
Early Head Start Rising
Millions of infants and toddlers who qualify for Early Head Start cannot access it due to limited resources and a lack of awareness. They are counting on us to act. We hope you will join us to help Early Head Start rise in communities all across this nation.
Explore the Latest Resources
2022 State Fact Sheets
Head Start’s Model: Nationwide, Comprehensive, Multi-Generational Click on your state to download your state’s Head Start Fact Sheet or explore Head Start locations in detail. In the six decades since Head Start’s founding, we have reached a new milestone: 37 million children have been served. From early math and reading skills, to confidence and resilience, Head…
Policy Brief: State Efforts to Expand Early Head Start
Early Head Start (EHS) combines full-day care, home visiting, health services, and family support, helping states meet important goals for pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and their families. There is a 500,000 slot gap between funded EHS slots and Head Start slots. Closing this gap will require more federal investment and targeted state efforts to accelerate…
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Public Policy and Advocacy News
Parent Gauge Partners with ParentPowered Public Benefit Corporation
Parent Gauge, the leading family engagement assessment tool designed specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with ParentPowered Public Benefit Corporation, the home of Ready4K Trauma-Informed, an evidence-based, Head Start-aligned trauma-informed family engagement curriculum.
Statement on Senate Joint Resolution on Vaccine and Mask Requirements
NHSA’s statement in response to S.J.Res 39, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of vaccine and mask requirements.
195 Representatives Endorse Robust FY23 Funding for Head Start
NHSA applauds Rep. Clark, Rep. Keller, and the 193 other members of the House signed letters of support requesting robust funding in FY23.
NHSA thanks HHS for administrative change to allow Head Start to reach SNAP-eligible families
Washington, D.C. — This afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced via an Information Memorandum that children who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now be considered eligible for Head Start and Early Head…
Senate Urges HHS to include SNAP, WIC in Head Start eligibility definition
Sen. Hassan and six of her Senate colleagues sent a letter urging HHS to include SNAP and WIC in Head Start eligibility definition.
Sign-On Letters
NHSA regularly 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.