29-04-2025
Texas, Fort Worth officials warn of dire impacts from proposed cut to Head Start
National and local Head Start providers in Texas are calling on community members to reach out to elected officials in light of reports that the federal government is proposing to slash the program that provides child care and creates job opportunities for low-income families.
Head Start, a federally funded child care and preschool program for children ages 0-5, is among the latest programs being eyed for budget cuts by the Trump administration, according to a leaked proposal for fiscal year 2026 that allocates no money toward it. Any budget decisions would have to be approved by Congress.
In a virtual press conference on Monday, April 28, program providers and advocates said dismantling Head Start would have far-reaching consequences for the Texas economy and workforce by taking away services that help children thrive and allow parents to go to work. The proposal also comes on the heels of recent cuts to the federal offices of Head Start and Child Care.
Kriston Jackson-Jones, of the Dallas-based Child Care Group, said other services beyond child care such as health screenings, mental health supports and disability services are also at risk with the defunding proposal.
'That's the real power of Head Start. It builds strong children, strong families and most importantly, strong communities,' she said, noting that 19,000 jobs in Texas' early childhood sector are also on the line.
More than 65,000 children and 50,000 parents in Texas rely on Head Start and Early Head Start, which focuses on infants and toddlers, according to child advocacy nonprofit Children at Risk. Texas' economy is estimated to be losing out on $9.4 billion a year due to affordability and accessibility issues in the child care system, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The return on investment, officials said on Monday, ranges from $7-9 for every $1 spent on Head Start.
Henry Jones of the Texas Head Start Association said he's encouraging community members and organizations to contact local legislators to make sure they understand the value of keeping Head Start in place.
'People say that all politics is local. Well, we've got to actually get in touch with our local legislators and make sure that they understand that Head Start should exist and continue to do great things,' he said.
The CEO of Center for Transforming Lives, a Head Start provider in Tarrant County, said defunding the program would negatively impact children's readiness for kindergarten during a time when local officials are attempting to tackle a literacy crisis. Only 35% of public school students in the area are reading on grade level, according to an analysis of 2024 test results from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR.
'We cannot afford to turn our backs on early education. Head Start is not just a program; it is a lifeline that lays the foundation for future success. Eliminating it would be a step backward for Fort Worth's children, families and our community as a whole,' said CEO Carol Klocek. 'Children who benefit from early intervention — receiving the support they need to thrive academically and socially — would be left behind. Instead of entering school prepared to learn, many would require intensive special education services throughout their academic careers, creating long-term impacts for both the children and the broader educational system.'
'Moreover, cutting Head Start would worsen family instability and homelessness. This program increases family financial self-sufficiency by providing critical support services that help families learn new skills, improve their own education and/or employment, and become financially secure. Without access to early education, child care and wraparound support, more families would face housing instability, compounding the challenges for children and their parents,' Klocek added.
Officials with Fort Worth-based Child Care Associates said they are 'currently monitoring the situation.' The nonprofit is among the largest child development organizations in North Texas.
