01-05-2025
Illinois Head Start Association files lawsuit against Dept. of Health and Human Services
Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, executive director of the Illinois Head Start Association, was in disbelief when she heard Head Start's funding from the Department of Health and Human Services was on the chopping block.
'Both Republicans and Democrats have always supported Head Start because of the crucial work we do in every district across the state,' Morrison-Frichtl told Our Quad Cities News.
According to Morrison-Frichtl, the state of Illinois typically receives more than $478 million in funding for Head Start, but that funding is trickling away.
'Illinois has received $59 million less than we did last year at this time,' Morrison-Frichtl said. 'The administration seems to be slow walking head start to the end.'
'(Cutting Head Start) wouldn't promote enough opportunity for certain individuals to get this type of attention and curriculum and skills that they need,' said Autumn Edwards, a Head Start parent.
Morrison-Frichtl said the loss in funding impacts Head Start's two-generational program: Young students and their families.
'We serve children with disabilities. so it's an inclusive environment,' Morrison-Frichtl said. 'We serve children and families that might not speak English. We have dual-language learners and we provide translation. All of that is at stake.'
'The biggest thing I've noticed is the social exposure. (My son has) gotten a lot of exposure to other children, and that's helped him develop his skills to be around other kids and proper manners, etiquette and all that stuff,' Edwards said.
If Head Start's funding is cut, Morrison-Frichtl said the impact would be felt nearly instantly.
'All of our programs are a little bit different,' Morrison-Frichtl said. 'Some of them would tell me, 'We're done now', within a day or two after the funding ends.''
In a time of uncertainty, though, Morrison-Frichtl is trying to remain optimistic.
'We'll be here in August. We'll open our doors, and we will be here,' Morrison-Frichtl said.
Head Start serves more than 28,000 students across Illinois. If Head Start is eliminated, more than 9,000 jobs would be impacted.
For more information about Illinois Head Start, visit here.
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