https://www.edweek.org/head-start Head Start en-US 2021 (c) Education Week Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:04:25 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/quick-answers-to-common-questions-about-early-childhood-education/2026/03 Education Week answers some of the most common questions about early childhood education. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:04:25 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/quick-answers-to-common-questions-about-early-childhood-education/2026/03 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/100-plus-head-start-programs-will-go-without-federal-funds-if-shutdown-drags-on/2025/10 The programs were due to receive their federal funding allocations Nov. 1. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:57:51 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/100-plus-head-start-programs-will-go-without-federal-funds-if-shutdown-drags-on/2025/10 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-confronts-more-funding-disruptions-and-policy-whiplash/2025/08 Program operators have struggled to draw down routine funding, and puzzled over how to comply with confusing policy directives. Mon, 11 Aug 2025 20:48:57 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-confronts-more-funding-disruptions-and-policy-whiplash/2025/08 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-admin-pauses-ban-on-undocumented-kids-in-head-start-in-these-states/2025/07 The administration said July 10 that undocumented immigrants were newly ineligible for a range of federally funded services. Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:27:05 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-admin-pauses-ban-on-undocumented-kids-in-head-start-in-these-states/2025/07 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/head-start-grantees-scramble-for-clarity-on-undocumented-students-rule-change/2025/07 While Head Start programs across the country operate as business usual for now, a lack of guidance over a policy change raises questions. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:53:35 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/head-start-grantees-scramble-for-clarity-on-undocumented-students-rule-change/2025/07 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/states-sue-over-trumps-ban-on-undocumented-youth-in-head-start-early-college/2025/07 The cost of compliance is so high, the lawsuit argues, some Head Start programs could be forced to close. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:47:23 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/states-sue-over-trumps-ban-on-undocumented-youth-in-head-start-early-college/2025/07 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-admin-says-undocumented-students-cant-attend-head-start-early-college/2025/07 The administration issued notices saying undocumented immigrants don't qualify for Head Start and some Education Department programs. Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:38:31 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-admin-says-undocumented-students-cant-attend-head-start-early-college/2025/07 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-why-head-start-remains-a-smart-investment-for-america/2025/06 Full funding of Head Start is about strengthening our nation’s social and economic fabric, says this letter to the editor. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:00:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-why-head-start-remains-a-smart-investment-for-america/2025/06 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/the-big-questions-about-trumps-k-12-budget-proposal-answered/2025/05 Trump is proposing to cut billions of dollars in K-12 investments, consolidate grant programs, and potentially rejigger special education law. Mon, 05 May 2025 20:21:34 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/the-big-questions-about-trumps-k-12-budget-proposal-answered/2025/05 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/trump-allies-say-the-case-for-head-start-is-weak-researchers-say-theyre-wrong/2025/05 Head Start critics oversimplify research to justify calls for its closure, researchers said. Thu, 01 May 2025 21:00:42 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/trump-allies-say-the-case-for-head-start-is-weak-researchers-say-theyre-wrong/2025/05 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-wants-to-gut-head-start-hes-already-begun/2025/04 More than 800,000 students would lose access to early childhood education if Trump's draft budget proposal is enacted. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:18:08 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-wants-to-gut-head-start-hes-already-begun/2025/04 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-the-trump-administration-is-sabotaging-head-start/2025/04 Early-childhood education is being dismantled right in front of us. The quiet crisis comes with a heavy cost. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:18:14 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-the-trump-administration-is-sabotaging-head-start/2025/04 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/dozens-of-head-start-programs-still-arent-receiving-promised-federal-funds/2025/02 Some providers of pre-K and child care have waited more than a week for federal reimbursements that typically arrive in 24 hours. Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:55:26 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/dozens-of-head-start-programs-still-arent-receiving-promised-federal-funds/2025/02 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-teachers-will-earn-more-but-programs-might-have-to-serve-fewer-kids/2024/08 A new federal rule will raise wages for Head Start employees—but providers won't get any additional funding. Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:50:25 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-teachers-will-earn-more-but-programs-might-have-to-serve-fewer-kids/2024/08 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/as-head-start-quality-push-continues-advocates-raise-red-flag-on-equity/2022/12 Inadequate federal funding forces Head Start providers to choose between quality and quantity, a new report contends. Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:01:22 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/as-head-start-quality-push-continues-advocates-raise-red-flag-on-equity/2022/12 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/high-court-appears-skeptical-of-vaccine-mandate-covering-schools-in-over-half-the-states/2022/01 The Biden administration's OSHA rule applies to private employers with 100 or more workers, as well as school districts in 26 states. Fri, 07 Jan 2022 22:19:18 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/high-court-appears-skeptical-of-vaccine-mandate-covering-schools-in-over-half-the-states/2022/01 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/federal-judge-blocks-bidens-covid-vaccine-mandate-for-head-start-teachers/2022/01 In a challenge by 24 states, the judge's preliminary injunction also blocks a mask mandate for Head Start students age 2 or older. Sun, 02 Jan 2022 18:17:01 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/federal-judge-blocks-bidens-covid-vaccine-mandate-for-head-start-teachers/2022/01 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/federal-watchdog-finds-risk-of-head-start-fraud-ranking-republican-seeks-hearing/2019/10 Officials have not done enough to prevent fraud in Head Start programs, the GAO said. The findings prompted Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the ranking member of the House education and labor committee, to call for a hearing on the federally funded preschool program for low-income children. Wed, 02 Oct 2019 18:04:48 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/federal-watchdog-finds-risk-of-head-start-fraud-ranking-republican-seeks-hearing/2019/10 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-wants-to-back-off-its-mandate-to-lengthen-operating-hours/2019/04 The federally funded preschool program for children from low-income families proposes ending a requirement that all center-based programs offer 1,020 hours of service per school year. Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:25:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-wants-to-back-off-its-mandate-to-lengthen-operating-hours/2019/04 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/new-reports-tout-role-of-gathering-data-in-creating-effective-head-start-programs/2019/03 Bellwether Education Partners highlights five Head Starts programs and says that the very best are serious about data collection and use what they learn from it to improve their practices. Mon, 25 Mar 2019 15:33:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/new-reports-tout-role-of-gathering-data-in-creating-effective-head-start-programs/2019/03 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/father-of-head-start-edward-f-zigler-dies-at-88/2019/02 Zigler was the last surviving member of the committee that developed the federal Head Start program, part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. Sun, 10 Feb 2019 14:52:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/father-of-head-start-edward-f-zigler-dies-at-88/2019/02 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/practicing-kindergarten-how-a-summer-program-eases-kids-into-learning/2018/08 The start of kindergarten can be overwhelming for students, and for their parents. In Portland, Ore., a summer program is working to ease that transition. Wed, 15 Aug 2018 20:59:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/practicing-kindergarten-how-a-summer-program-eases-kids-into-learning/2018/08 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/how-data-helped-head-start-centers-tackle-a-no-show-problem/2018/06 Getting a more accurate enrollment count for the start of the school year is just one way that Head Start centers use data to improve operations. Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:47:51 GMT https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/how-data-helped-head-start-centers-tackle-a-no-show-problem/2018/06 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/abuse-allegations-lead-ky-district-to-drop-head-start-grant/2018/06 Jefferson County schools in Kentucky gave up a $15 million grant after 30 years and instead will spend $8 million to start a district-run early-childhood program. Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:45:32 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/abuse-allegations-lead-ky-district-to-drop-head-start-grant/2018/06 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/troubled-ky-school-district-gives-up-head-start-grant-after-abuse-allegations/2018/06 The 101,000-student Jefferson County district, the state's largest, says it will start an early-childhood program of its own to serve Head Start-eligible children. Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:30:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/troubled-ky-school-district-gives-up-head-start-grant-after-abuse-allegations/2018/06 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/new-report-details-role-head-start-plays-in-countrys-rural-communities/2018/04 The report by the Center for American Progress found that Head Start plays a vital role in supporting families who live in rural communities, which are more likely to be child-care deserts. Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:45:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/new-report-details-role-head-start-plays-in-countrys-rural-communities/2018/04 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/trump-team-may-make-head-start-chip-a-hurdle-for-green-card-applicants/2018/02 The administration is pondering a rules change that would make it harder for people to get permanent U.S. residency if they're deemed a burden to taxpayers. Tue, 13 Feb 2018 18:40:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/trump-team-may-make-head-start-chip-a-hurdle-for-green-card-applicants/2018/02 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-waiving-requirement-to-offer-longer-school-day-and-year/2018/01 The federally-funded preschool program was supposed to offer a longer program day to children, but department officials chose to put off the requirement rather than cutting slots. Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:57:58 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-waiving-requirement-to-offer-longer-school-day-and-year/2018/01 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-considering-changes-to-create-less-burdensome-competition-process/2017/12 The federal early-childhood program is looking for comments on changes that it says will help it zero in more closely on low-performing grantees. Fri, 08 Dec 2017 02:09:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-considering-changes-to-create-less-burdensome-competition-process/2017/12 https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-may-offer-next-generation-benefits-researchers-say/2017/09 A study awaiting publication finds that the future offspring of children who attend Head Start may benefit from the federal preschool program. Fri, 22 Sep 2017 21:30:00 GMT https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/head-start-may-offer-next-generation-benefits-researchers-say/2017/09