The Work
NHSA's State Affairs’ works to grow the capacity of Head Start Associations to effectively advocate for Head Start programs and the children & families they serve.
The Vision
All Head Start Associations have the resources they need and are effectively working together as a network to fulfill their collective missions and visions.
Key NHSA Reports and Tools
Head Start Policy Agenda
The national Head Start Policy Agenda serves as the guiding document for NHSA’s government affairs-related efforts.
New State Association Leadership Toolkit
New Head Start state association leadership can use this guide to navigate NHSA’s many services and resources that are available to them.
Head Start Advocacy Tools
Head Start Social Media Marketing Guide
NHSA’s Head Start Social Media Guide covers five major social media channels and includes quick tips and content ideas.
2025 State Fact Sheets
Click on your state to download your 2025 Head Start Fact Sheet or use NHSA’s interactive map to explore Head Start locations in detail.
Early Head Start Advocacy Tools
Head Start Advantage: Early Head Start
Early Head Start children have greater cognitive development and receptive language skills on standardized assessments.
State Association Webinar Recordings
Webinar: Effective State-Level Policies
This session shares 11 state-level policies that help foster the nurturing environments infants and toddlers need to thrive and that reduce longstanding disparities in opportunities and outcomes among racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomic statuses.
Webinar: Advancing Early Head Start Conversations with Policymakers
Advancing Conversations with Policymakers webinar examines tips and techniques for building relationships with decisionmakers to advance Early Head Start.