Statement by Heather Schrotberger, Executive Director, Kansas Head Start Association:
Loss of Head Start Funding in Federal Budget Would Leave a Critical Gap for Kansas Children and Families
Lawrence, Kansas (April 15th, 2025) — As the Head Start community celebrates the program’s 60th Anniversary this year, a recent news article suggests that the Trump Administration’s FY26 budget proposal may eliminate funding for Head Start programming. This should concern advocates, early educators, and families across the state.
Since 1965, Head Start has received bipartisan support as an effective two-generational approach to providing comprehensive early childhood services for children ages birth to five, pregnant women, and their families. With a proven track record and sixty-year history of results, Head Start is recognized for making a difference for young children and their families.
Should the elimination of Head Start funding remain in the President’s final budget proposal, members of Congress will decide all final appropriations before anything becomes law. “We must elevate the importance of this program for children and families in our Kansas communities and across our nation. Head Start is vital to the well-being of our most vulnerable children and their families,” said Heather Schrotberger, executive director of the Kansas Head Start Association.
In Kansas, Head Start programs provide intensive, comprehensive early education in the majority of Kansas counties through Head Start preschool services and Early Head Start services for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers.
Over $90 million in federal Head Start funding flowed into Kansas’s economy in FY2024 – directly to the local programs who provide these services in their communities.
Just over 6,200 young children received services statewide.
Nearly 2,500 individuals work in Head Start program in Kansas and are an integral part of the state’s early childhood workforce.
Over 4,900 parents were able to work, go to school, or participate in job training as a result of Head Start support.
Head Start programs in Kansas:
Support parents with child care so they can work or further their education and provide for their families.
Provide high-quality early education that promotes healthy child development and school-readiness.
Ensure children receive developmental screenings and assessments.
Connect families with important resources such as health, mental health, and early intervention services in their communities.
Nationwide, nearly 800,000 children and more than 1 million working parents would be impacted by the elimination of the funding.
“Without Head Start, many Kansas parents would lose access to safe, quality care for their children, making it harder for them to provide for their families. Additionally, we know that Head Start contributes to both immediate and long-term positive outcomes for young children. The idea that we would remove such a critical and beneficial program that is part of the fabric of our local communities is disheartening,” stated Schrotberger.
Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has helped nearly 40 million families, offering a path to independence and opportunity through a proven, multigenerational approach. Research has shown the program yields long-term returns of $7–$10 for every federal dollar invested.
Kansans can contact their members of Congress and voice support HERE for protecting and preserving Head Start for Kansas children and for our nation’s children.
KHSA invites the Head Start community to communicate the critical importance and impact of Head Start HERE.
For more information contact: hschrotberger@ksheadstart.org, 785-856-3132
