Concerns are mounting across Iowa after the National Head Start Association (NHSA) was contacted by a reporter on Friday, April 11, reporting that President Trump’s proposed federal budget could affect future funding for Head Start. While the budget has not yet been made public and the source remains unconfirmed, the possibility that these changes could significantly impact Head Start services has left advocates, educators, and families stunned.
For six decades Head Start has enjoyed bipartisan support as a cornerstone of early childhood education, providing no-cost, comprehensive services to children from birth to age five and pregnant women. Every president—including President Trump in his first term—has previously supported the program’s mission of promoting school readiness and success of low-income children and their families.
The President’s budget is just a proposal—it must go through Congress and the appropriations process before anything becomes law. “The potential impact on Head Start is so devastating that we cannot afford to stay silent. We’re calling on Iowans to speak up and reach out to their members of Congress,” said Lori Ferris, executive director of the Iowa Head Start Association.
In Iowa, Head Start’s impact is wide-reaching:
• Over $89 million in federal Head Start funding flowed into Iowa’s economy in FY2024 – straight to local community programs
• Nearly 7,500 children and 6,650 families received services statewide in FY24.
• More than 2,300 Iowans are employed by Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
• Over 5,300 parents are able to work, go to school, or participate in job training thanks to Head Start support.
“Reducing support for Head Start wouldn’t just impact children—it would disrupt the lives of working families across Iowa and deliver a serious blow to local economies,” Ferris continued. “This is more than early education; it connects families to healthcare while fostering stability and long-term success.”
Head Start provides:
• No cost early education and childcare for children birth to five
• Free medical, dental, vision, and hearing screenings
• Free healthy meals and nutrition resources
• Family goal setting and parenting support
• Referrals to housing, food, and mental health services
Nationwide, nearly 800,000 children and more than 1 million working parents would be impacted if there were changes to program funding.
“Particularly in Iowa’s rural communities, where childcare options are already scarce, the loss would be especially devastating. Beyond the classroom, every Head Start dollar reinvests directly into the community through wages, local services, and supplies,” stated Ferris.
“Cutting support for Head Start would mean the loss of jobs—not just for teachers and staff, but for parents who rely on this system to maintain their own livelihoods. It would set back decades of progress made in helping children enter kindergarten ready to succeed,” Ferris continued.
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.
Local leaders are urging Iowans to contact their members of Congress and voice strong support for protecting and preserving Head Start. The Iowa Head Start Association calls on Congress-Republicans and Democrats alike—to fully fund Head Start in the final 2026 federal budget. We must advocate for the well-being of families not only in Iowa but throughout our nation.
Learn more about Head Start – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uudXBJooUrQ