Head Start, a federally funded early childhood program, is among the most valuable programs for low-income families to receive mental health support, a nonpartisan research institute said today.

The new analysis from the Center for American Progress urges policymakers to protect and better fund the program so it can meet the needs of all eligible families.

Head Start serves children ages 3 and 4 and its companion program, Early Head Start, helps expectant parents, infants and toddlers. The programs offer services that support early learning and development, health and family well-being.

Local Head Start programs referred about 100 children for mental health consultation services in the 2023-24 year, according to Brightpoint's most recent annual report. About 75% received a skills coach

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