Head Start programs feeling the strain of the federal shutdown, as local program’s funding is in limbo

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Finding and affording early childhood education is already a challenge for many families. The federal government shutdown is now adding challenges for some of those providers.

Youth in Need is digging into its funding to keep families from being impacted, but it’s a short-term solution as the federal government shutdown drags on.

Youth in Need is among more than 140 Head Start providers nationwide facing a federal funding hold. The situation is putting the service at risk for 65,000 children, according to the National Head Start Association. On Wednesday, NHSA and partners worked to bring attention to this impact.

Funding for the program is on a rolling basis, so not all providers will be affected on November 1.

Jade Sadler’s two kids love the progr