Latest news with #EarlyHeadStart
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: What Babies Need from Congress Right Now
Last week, parents from every corner of America headed to Capitol Hill — strollers, diaper bags and all — to demand that Congress protect and strengthen critical early childhood programs that millions of babies rely on. Babies can't speak for themselves, so families and early childhood advocates are raising their voices to demand that Congress invest in our youngest kids' health, development and future. Their trip to Washington, D.C., could not have been timelier. Days after their departure, the House voted in favor of a disastrous budget that puts their priorities in jeopardy. At the rally, we heard directly from a broad, bipartisan swath of legislators — including House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, and Democratic Reps. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan — affirming the necessity of these programs. As the bill moves to the Senate, the upper chamber would be wise to listen to Strolling Thunder families and stop these reckless cuts in their tracks. On the chopping block? Medicaid, which covers over 40% of births in the US; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food to 4.5 million children under age 5; and funding for families and states that cover child care, foster care and other basic needs. Related These programs are lifelines that give kids a solid start, especially for families who face extra hurdles because of their income, where they live, a disability or their background. Parents like Rachell Dumas, a nurse and maternal health advocate from Atlanta, who shares that, 'After nine pregnancy losses, I thought the hardest part was over once my son was born. But I was wrong. PTSD from years of trauma made it hard to bond with my miracle baby, and there was no system in place to support us. Babies don't just inherit our love. They inherit our pain, too.' That's why Dumas is telling Congress to protect and strengthen the support new parents need. This includes safeguarding health and nutrition by protecting and strengthening Medicaid and SNAP so every baby receives essential well‑baby visits, immunizations and nutritious meals. And take parents like Charlein Downs from Delaware, whose son, Jeremiah, has benefited enormously from Early Head Start. '[Early Head Start teachers] have given me clear guidance on what milestones Jeremiah should be reaching and practical tools I can use to help him grow. His teachers are amazing — not just for his education, but for mine,' Downs says. In many rural areas, these programs are the only option for infant care, and they set children up for the strongest start in school. Cutting them doesn't just shrink opportunities; cuts force families to choose between work, health and their child's future. Related Dumas and Downs joined with other parents on Capitol Hill, not as lobbyists but as living proof of what's at stake. They're continuing to ask for more than promises: They want protection for programs like Medicaid and SNAP, stronger funding for Early Head Start and other early learning opportunities, and a fair shot for their children to thrive. Parents shared what's at stake for their babies, while emphasizing that this isn't just an individual family problem; it's an economic problem. Between birth and age 3, a child's brain forms more than 1 million neural connections every second. When babies' caregivers get the support they need to provide a nurturing home, stimulating surroundings and regular check‑ups, babies learn to talk, think and manage feelings much faster. Without those supports, kids are more likely to have health problems, fall behind in school or struggle with behavior, costing all of us billions later on. Research shows that every $1 we spend on a child under 3 pays back up to $13 in benefits, like more graduates, lower health bills and less crime spending. But when early supports are cut, parents miss work, employers lose productivity, tax revenues shrink and public spending climbs as families turn to emergency rooms and food pantries.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
United Way of Acadiana Early Head Start hosts community Baby Shower
ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY) — United Way of Acadiana Early Head Start (UWA EHS) is hosting a community baby shower that is open for expected mothers of Vermilion Parish. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 21 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Vermilion Women's Resource Center located at 515 Edwards Street in Abbeville. Attendees will be provided with baby items, refreshments, resources, and information about the organization's free Early Head Start program. Heather Blanchard, UWA President and CEO, shared how the organization wants to support all families of the community by providing resources from the beginning. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Ensuring access to nutrition and healthcare is just one part of our comprehensive approach to helping children get off to a good start,' Blanchard said. 'We support parents, caregivers, and our community to prioritize investment in early childhood development.' To support this initiative, UWA EHS is collecting baby items for expectant moms in need. The list of needed items can be found at their website.. Those who would like to donate can drop off items at the UWA main office located at 215 E. Pinhook Road in Lafayette or purchase directly from an Amazon wishlist: click here . Over $34 Million in unclaimed property checks from Louisiana Department of Revenue Team Penske announces leadership departures over 'organizational failures' United Way of Acadiana Early Head Start hosts community Baby Shower Opelousas police seek help finding missing teen, Amiya Murria GOP tries to push Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' to floor as key hearing drags into daylight Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida Business Leaders Sound Alarm: Head Start Cuts Would Worsen State's Childcare and Workforce Crisis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of respected Florida business leaders is warning that proposed federal cuts to Head Start would dramatically worsen Florida's already severe childcare shortage, deepening the state's workforce crisis and damaging long-term economic competitiveness. The Florida Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the National Chamber Foundation, estimates that childcare disruptions cost Florida's economy nearly $5.4 billion annually, working parents miss shifts or leave jobs altogether to care for young children. The pending elimination of federal Head Start funding, floated in a leaked version of the President's budget, has sparked a new alarm. While a later version of the budget – known as the "skinny budget"—omitted any mention of Head Start, Florida leaders say that silence is cause for concern. "Eliminating Head Start would pour gasoline on the fire of our existing childcare crisis," said Paul Mitchell, policy expert with The Southern Group and board member of the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. "We already know childcare gaps drive parents out of the workforce, reduce tax revenue for the state, and place immense strain on Florida families and employers." Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve roughly 45,000 low-income children under age five across Florida's 800+ centers. Losing this vital early learning infrastructure would not only devastate vulnerable families – it would cost the state an estimated $668 million annually to replace those services, double the current state budget for Voluntary Pre-K (VPK). Workforce Shortages + Economic Fallout According to the Florida Chamber Foundation, lack of childcare is the number one reason why working parents of young children leave the labor force. Over 281,000 Floridians reported leaving work in the past year specifically to care for a child, at a time when there are only 90 workers for every 100 open jobs. Florida TaxWatch -- the state's leading nonpartisan watchdog -- estimates that unreliable childcare costs the state more than $743 million in lost tax revenues and $1.7 billion in turnover expenses for businesses each year. "Gutting Head Start would amplify these devastating numbers," says Jeff Kottkamp, Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and former Lt. Governor who chaired Florida's Children and Youth Cabinet. "This isn't just a family issue, it's an economic one." , A Proven Return on Investment Head Start has been studied for decades and delivers one of the highest returns of any federal program. Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman found that every $1 invested in early childhood education generates up to $9 in taxpayer savings, due to long-term outcomes such as: Higher high school graduation rates Reduced crime and incarceration Fewer teen pregnancies Lower healthcare and public assistance costs Increased workforce participation "We'd be foolish to defund Head Start, it should be expanded," said David Lawrence, Jr., retired Miami-Herald publisher and chair of The Children's Movement of Florida. "We have decades of data showing the difference it makes not just for kids, but for the future of our country." A Call to Action Head Start is lauded for its direct-to-community funding model – cutting out bureaucracy to deliver local impact efficiently. "Families that once depended on welfare are now working, contributing, and thriving thanks to Head Start," said Wanda Minick, Executive Director of the Florida Head Start Association. "We urge business and community leaders to join us in advocating for this lifeline." TaxWatch's Kottkamp reinforces this point: "Access to high-quality affordable childcare is not only important for families—it's also important for our state's economy. The return on investment for taxpayers for the Head Start program is significant. Even more important, the Head Start program leads to better long-term socio-economic outcomes for children and families." Join the Effort Visit FHSA's website to learn how you can support Head Start and protect the future of Florida's children and workforce. About FHSA The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state. Representing more than 45,000 children and families in Florida, FHSA champions access to high-quality. Head Start, a key player in the early childhood education landscape, providing critical services, including school readiness, comprehensive health support, and family support. Guided by the Head Start Program Performance Standards, FHSA empowers members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services provided to families by Head Start. For more information, please visit Media Contact: Wanda Minick, Executive Director(850) 694-6477Wanda@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Florida Head Start Association Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
19-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
How much federal funding San Antonio school districts get
Local school districts in Texas are struggling with funding deficits and could face more shortfalls under a Trump administration plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Why it matters: As the White House signals that less help could be coming, Texas public school districts are closing campuses while facing teacher shortages and falling school performance ratings. The big picture: Education has been a focus of the Texas Legislature this year. Gov. Greg Abbott this month signed legislation creating a $1 billion private school voucher program. Lawmakers are also advancing long-sought legislation to bolster public school funding. The Texas House last month passed House Bill 2, which would spend nearly $8 billion to increase per-student funding by $395, among other measures. The Senate last week released its counter-proposal, which would increase per-student funding by just $55, per the Texas Tribune. Reality check: It's unclear precisely how the potential demise of the Education Department will affect federal funding to local school systems. The department is the primary source of federal money to local schools, but not the only one. Zoom in: Public schools across Texas receive about $13.4 billion in funding from federal sources, per Census Bureau data. That's about $439 per person, making Texas No. 9 in the nation for per person federal school funding. Northside ISD, San Antonio's largest school district, gets about 15% of its revenue from federal sources. That's more than $219 million. Between the lines: Nationally, federal funds now make up an average of about 14% of a public school system's budget, with more typically going to lower-income areas. That plays out in San Antonio. On the South Side, Harlandale, South San and Somerset ISDs bring in more federal revenue than local revenue. Alamo Heights ISD, a wealthy North Side district, receives just 6% of its revenue from federal funding, while Edgewood ISD on the city's near West Side gets 42%. Other area districts counted federal funding among their revenue in 2023: Medina Valley ISD: 10% East Central ISD: 16.5% North East ISD: 17% Judson ISD: 17% Southside ISD: 21% Somerset ISD: 22% San Antonio ISD: 26% Harlandale ISD: 27% South San ISD: 30.5% What they're saying: In Edgewood ISD, federal funds support afterschool instruction and professional development for educators, as well as a special education program and Head Start and Early Head Start programs, Myrna Martinez, Edgewood's superintendent of business operations, tells Axios in a statement. "Losing this support would have a profound impact not only on the district but also on the many families who depend on these early learning opportunities," Martinez says. "No matter the challenges, Edgewood ISD will continue to prioritize student success and provide every opportunity to ensure their future." The other side: Trump's order to close the Education Department is a step toward fulfilling one of his campaign promises: removing federal oversight of states' public education systems.
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Oregon leaders honor nearly 60 years of Head Start amid federal funding uncertainty
Oregon leaders honor nearly 60 years of Head Start amid federal funding uncertainty Show Caption Hide Caption The Oregon Pioneer, aka Gold Man, by the numbers Learn details about the statue on the top of the Oregon State Capitol, including height, weight and gold leaf skin. Gov. Tina Kotek delivered a video message ahead of the upcoming 60th anniversary of Head Start. Head Start serves over 11,000 children and families across 32 Early Head Start centers in Oregon. Leaders are calling for continued state support as federal funding uncertainties threaten the program's future. Gov. Tina Kotek issued a proclamation on May 16 celebrating nearly 60 years of Head Start in Oregon, a program she said reflected a dedication to supporting children and families even as federal funding uncertainties have jeopardized it. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said May 14 the federal administration would preserve funding. Still, according to the National Head Start Association, nearly half of Head Start's regional offices were closed after layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a coalition of states suing the Trump administration over its freeze on federal funding, which locked out Head Start programs from their payment management portals, according to the complaint. A judge temporarily blocked the freeze on March 6. Parents and Head Start providers have filed a separate lawsuit challenging Trump's actions against Head Start. The plaintiffs include Family Forward Oregon. "Taking this program away continues cycles of poverty and unfairly targets the children and families it was created to support," Candice Vickers, executive director of Family Forward Oregon, said in an April 28 press release. If federal funding is eliminated, an estimated 5,700 families would lose services and close to 2,000 people would lose their jobs, Charleen Strauch, president of Oregon's Association of Head Start, told lawmakers at an informational meeting on May 8. Head Start program serves thousands in Oregon Project Head Start was launched in 1965 after President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a war on poverty during his State of the Union speech. According to the Office of Head Start, the program was funded to serve more than 774,000 children and pregnant women in the U.S. from 2023 to 2024. Strauch told lawmakers more than 11,000 children and families receive services at 32 Early Head Start centers in Oregon. In Marion and Polk counties, 724 children receive services through Head Start. "We're very grateful for the support of our government partners," said Jimmy Jones, executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. "Project Head Start was based and rooted in this principle that we're going to make sure that an entire generation of children are not left behind." Jones said it's been one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in American history. He said he depended on Head Start as a parent in the '90s when he was "beyond broke." His daughter graduated from McNary High School and Oregon State University. Oregon Head Start leaders thank Gov. Tina Kotek, state for support Jones and other leaders gave a tour of the Silverton Road Head Start that serves 17 preschool children, urging continued financial support for the program from the state. The Oregon Head Start Association has asked the Oregon Legislature for more than $387 million for the program to maintain current service levels. "We are just so grateful for the consistent support our program and all Oregon Head Start programs have received for many, many years from Oregon," said Eva Pignotti, chief program officer of early learning and child care at MWVCAA. "It's a time when we're counting on you to be there for us, because the federal funding side, as you know, is fraught with concern and questions." Representatives for Kotek and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas were also present. Inside, 10 children from ages 3 to 5 showed off the houses they were building to shelter mealworms, part of their lessons around bugs and their life cycles. A ladybug enclosure and butterfly habitat were also inside the classroom. Alicia Flores, a Head Start teacher, said she's worked for the program for eight years and takes pride in helping children develop before they enter kindergarten. Speaking in Spanish, Flores said some of the students at the center could not communicate in English and would require her to translate. She said they often don't need her help by the end of the year. "When we invest early, we don't just change outcomes, we change kids' and families' lives," said Johnna Timmes, education initiatives director for Kotek. "The program's comprehensive approach, blending education, health, nutrition, and family services, has been a model of how we support children and families, not just to survive, but to thrive." Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@ on X @DianneLugo or Bluesky @
