US government shutdown threatens Head Start funding: Here’s why vulnerable preschoolers are at risk

The ongoing US government shutdown is putting federal funding for Head Start programmes at risk, leaving tens of thousands of vulnerable preschoolers without guaranteed access to early education. These programmes, which serve some of the nation’s neediest children, rely almost entirely on annual federal grants that cannot be carried over, making them highly vulnerable to funding disruptions. As the shutdown continues, many Head Start centres are struggling to stay open without federal support. Some have already missed funding disbursements, forcing them to draw on reserves or seek emergency help from local authorities. If the government remains closed, over 130 programmes are set to lose their next round of federal funding, potentially affecting more than 65,000 children nationwide, ac