Statement on Head Start Improvement Act of 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the introduction of Head Start Improvement Act of 2017 by Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), the following statement should be attributed to Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association: “Head Start has been an effective and strong program delivering an advantage to our nation’s children for more than 50 years. The current federal-to-local funding structure supports children’s long-term success by giving them access to services tailored locally in order to meet the community’s needs. While we disagree that Congressman Banks’ proposal would improve Head Start, we will work with him to ensure a bright future for Indiana’s, and our nation’s, most vulnerable children and their families.”
In Recent News
Ongoing Issues Accessing Federal Grant Funds Continue to Impact Head Start Programs
Washington, D.C.–Ten days after the temporary federal payment freeze, dozens of Head Start programs are continuing to face challenges drawing down approved grant funds. Though the cause of the problem is unclear, this has a significant impact on Head Start which relies on steady, predictable access to operating funds in order to keep its doors…
Nearly 20,000 Children and Families Impacted by Delay in Accessing Federal Funds
Washington, D.C.–Over the last week, a growing number of Head Start grant recipients have reported significant delays in accessing approved grant funding. While most recipients have not had major disruptions, a large number of recipients still continue to receive ‘pending’ or ‘in process’ messages when they request to draw down funds from their grant. As…
Federal Grant Freeze Puts Head Start Children and Families at Risk Nationwide
Update as of 4:00 p.m. ET, January 28, 2025 – Following the release of additional guidance and clarification from the Office of Budget Management, Head Start agencies are not included in the list of federal grants and loans whose funds are frozen. Agencies have been able to access funds through the Payment Management System (PMS). Washington, D.C.—Last…