Statement From Yasmina Vinci, Executive Director, National Head Start Association

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) issued the following statement in response to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee recommending level funding for Head Start in FY26:

“We appreciate the longstanding and continued bipartisan recognition of Head Start’s essential role in supporting our nation’s eligible children and families. The House Labor/HHS Subcommittee’s recommendation to maintain level funding in FY26 reflects a shared understanding of Head Start’s impact in every congressional district across the country. At the same time, maintaining this level of service requires adapting to economic realities. With inflation projected to exceed 3%, level funding amounts to a real cut. From rising expenses such as transportation and health care costs to ongoing facility needs and the critical importance of offering competitive wages to qualified staff, Head Start programs are facing growing financial pressure. 

This bill’s level funding would, if passed, mark the third consecutive year without an inflation adjustment — a burden that many programs will find increasingly difficult to absorb. We are grateful for the continued commitment to Head Start, but urge recognition of the real challenges programs face in sustaining quality services for children and families.

Head Start is a proven model with decades of research showing its long-term benefits for children, families and communities. Now is the time for Congress to act with vision and resolve. Our children and families must have continued support that meets the moment and secures the future for them.”

— Yasmina Vinci, Executive Director, National Head Start Association

For 60 years, Head Start has been a bipartisan success story, supporting millions of children and families with high-quality early learning, health, nutrition, and family services. More than 40 million children have benefited from Head Start. That’s good for all of us – because strong families and strong communities strengthen our nation.

NHSA stands ready to work with all members of Congress to ensure that every child, regardless of zip code or circumstance, has the opportunity to succeed.