Head Start considers temporary closure as it awaits funding delayed by shutdown

Funding for a Head Start program in South Dakota is delayed because of the federal government shutdown, forcing the program to obtain its own temporary funding and consider a potential closure next month.

Aberdeen-based Northeast South Dakota Head Start expected to receive just over $3 million on Nov. 1 for its fiscal year 2026. The program is funded almost entirely by the federal government, serving 265 children and employing 70 people in eight towns across 13 counties. Children from low-income families receive free early learning, health and family well-being services.

The program remains open because of a line of credit through Dacotah Bank, said Juli Schultz, executive director of Northeast South Dakota Head Start. The credit will cover the cost of food and staff salaries for Nov