Head Start Receives Level Funding in President’s FY21 Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) noted the administration’s prioritization of Head Start children and families in the federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2021. In the blueprint, which serves as a starting point for the appropriations discussion, the President proposed maintaining the fiscal year 2020 level of funding for Head Start at more than $10.6 billion. This funding level will allow Head Start programs to provide trauma-informed care to the increasing number of children experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), a policy solution that was first laid out in the NHSA Opioid Working Group’s 2018 report, “A Head Start on Treating Our Nation’s Opioid Epidemic.”

“While the President’s budget proposes severe cuts to many programs the Head Start community relies on, it nonetheless demonstrates an ongoing recognition of Head Start’s effectiveness in improving life outcomes for at-risk children and families across the country,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “The Head Start community is encouraged that this high level of funding will allow the Head Start workforce to continue helping the growing number of children experiencing adverse childhood experiences. This is an important milestone for our community as we work together to meet the needs of America’s most vulnerable children as they cope with the ripple effects of addiction, violence, poverty, and other traumas.”

This funding request comes just two months after the Head Start community celebrated Congress’ passage of the FY20 spending bill, which increased funding for Head Start by nearly $550 million to its current record-setting level of $10.6 billion. NHSA will continue prioritizing investments in the Head Start workforce as Congress begins work on the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bill.