Moving Forward: A Note from NHSA’s Executive Director

Dear Head Start leaders,

We finally made it. The polls are officially closed and election day 2024 is in the rear view mirror. After months of a hard-hitting, divisive, and in many ways unprecedented campaign, I am thinking of you, our Head Start community, and wondering how you are feeling. Perhaps exhausted, perhaps excited or perhaps still worried about the remaining uncertainties? 

While we may not yet know the final outcomes on all levels, I am feeling hopeful this morning. Hopeful that no matter what, Head Start is going to be in a strong place this next year and for years to come.  

Here’s why I’m feeling hopeful:

1. Presidential Support – From President Lyndon B. Johnson to President Ronald Reagan, President George H.W. Bush to President Barack Obama, Head Start has had deep bipartisan support since its creation nearly sixty years ago. Plus, we saw significant funding increases when former President Trump was in office and we saw significant funding increases when Vice-President Harris was in office. 
2. Congressional Support – Perhaps even more important than who sits in the oval office is who sits in Congress. Our strength comes from the fact that Head Start is in every Congressional district across the country and if everyone in our community does their part, we can block any threat and mobilize around the opportunities. 
3. 60 Years of Success – This coming year is the 60th year of Head Start. 60 years of successfully transforming lives. 60 years of a national commitment to our nation’s eligible children and their families. 60 years of disrupting generational poverty. 60 years of research proving our effectiveness. And while the past is impressive, I believe the best years are ahead.
4. Our United Voice – When we speak as a united voice, from Hawaii to Maine, Alaska to Puerto Rico, we can move mountains, no matter if they’re red mountains, blue mountains, or purple mountains. Yes, we have work to do, but once we unite our voice on behalf of our children and families, we’re unstoppable.  
5. Our Team – We have built a team at NHSA that loves strategizing, advocating, convening, and training as much as we love Head Start. We’re working hard each and every day to have your back and support the important work you do in your classrooms and communities. 

Now, it’s ok if you’re not feeling quite as hopeful as I am, but take some time to feel what you are feeling, and then get ready for the journey forward. No matter what happens, we have work to do and the children need us to be at our best. 

Keeping the commitment,

Yasmina Vinci
Executive Director
National Head Start Association