Advocating for Head Start

Together, we are the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every child has access to the Head Start model of support.

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.

MLK

Join NHSA’s Head Start Advocacy Network

NHSA relies on your voice for our advocacy and engagement in Washington, D.C., and across the country. Sign up for our mailing list to receive our action alerts and updates on policy issues relevant to Head Start.

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…

Download Now

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.

Download Now

Advocacy Network Sign-Up Flier (English and Spanish)

Programs can share this flier with families and encourage them to sign up for NHSA’s advocacy alerts.

Download Now

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.

Download Now

Explore NHSA's Policy Resources

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.

Read More...

Lead Exposure & Safe Drinking Water

This resource helps individuals and Head Start programs assess potential risks of exposure to lead through drinking water.

Read More...

The Impact of Proposed Budget Cuts to Head Start

A proposed $750 million budget cut to Head Start would leave roughly 80,000 fewer children with access to Head Start and Early Head Start.

Read More...