Head Start is the National Commitment to

Give Every Vulnerable Child an Opportunity to Succeed.

The National Head Start Association's mission is to coalesce, inspire, and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education. NHSA is committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. We are the voice for more than 1 million children, 275,000 staff, and 1,600 grant recipients in the United States. Since 1974, NHSA has worked for policy changes that ensure all income-eligible children have access to the Head Start model.

The Head Start promise is simple: every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to reach their full potential.

Head Start State Collaboration Office Spotlight: Missouri

Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office Director Stacey Wright is powerful ...
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Alumni Spotlight: LGBTQ+ Advocate Shane Dunn Shares Head Start Experience

Head Start alumnus Shane Dunn shares how his early experience in a diverse environment ...
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Building Strong Parent and Family Partnerships

Programs can use the Parent Gauge tool's recommended calendar structure to efficiently ...
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Alumni Spotlight: Sylvia Acevedo

Sylvia Acevedo says: "Today’s Head Start families encourage their kids to ...
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Feeling Resourceful?

We’re here to help! Whether you are looking for tools, guides, reports, trainings, conference information, or help with a question about your program, NHSA's Resource Library has something for everyone. Explore by topic below.

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When it comes to creating change and supporting Head Start, there is strength in numbers! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on advocacy opportunities, early childhood education news, and the latest from NHSA.