More than 65,000 children and families are at risk of losing access to child care and early education because of the ongoing government shutdown.

Head Start programs across the country—lifelines for low-income families—are days away from running out of money. At least 140 Head Start centers are facing closure this week unless emergency funding is approved. Some programs, like one in Tallahassee, Florida, already told parents to find backup care after federal dollars dried up. Staff even worked for free to give families time.

For many parents—especially single working mothers—there are no backup options.

Head Start does more than provide child care. It offers meals, early learning, and developmental support for children in vulnerable households. Without it, parents may be forced to leave jobs, children may lose critical services, and families already living on the edge may be pushed into deeper crisis.

We’re calling on Congress and President Donald Trump to:

• Immediately approve emergency funding for all at-risk Head Start programs
• Ensure continuity of care and services for the 65,000 children facing program closure
• Recommit to stable, long-term funding for early childhood education, regardless of political gridlock
   

This is not a partisan issue—it’s a child welfare emergency.

Sign now to demand emergency funding for Head Start. Let’s keep 65,000 children safe, supported, and learning—no matter what’s happening in Washington.

Photo: Getty/The Washington Post/Maansi Srivastava)