Head Start and a variety of programs that our families rely upon are under pressure at the federal level. Deep cuts and program elimination to some key programs are being considered. Recently, it was reported “I am committed to protecting the promise of Head Start, as envisioned by my uncle who created the program 60 years ago,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “And I will ensure that the next generation of families living in poverty have access to this vital program that offers what they need to thrive.” HHS Press Release, 5/19/25.
However, even the commitment of the Secretary will not be enough to ensure Congress funds Head Start at such a level to ensure we are able to provide the highest quality of services to the communities we serve.
Now is the time for you to join others in our community to PROTECT this program. See TAKE ACTION steps below. Also, join us for our upcoming Head Start After Hours Café, times and links below and our Federal Update.
Head Start After Hours Café– Be Alert, Be Informed, Be Active! The Cafe is intended to serve as a place for the community to gather. Each cafe will begin with a brief presentation about the items most pressing to our communities and then provide space for networking and problem-solving.
We ask staff, parents, and friends of Head Start to join us for the latest on Head Start in the news, and to come together to discuss challenges and opportunities in your community to protect Head Start. We will have a Spanish-language interpreter join us.
Invitamos al personal, padres y amigos de Head Start a unirse a nosotros para estar al tanto de las últimas noticias sobre Head Start y a conversar sobre los desafíos y las oportunidades en su comunidad para proteger a Head Start. Contaremos con un intérprete de español.
Tuesday, May 27th @ 4 pm – Zoom Link
Federal Update Webinar – Please join us for a community update on challenges to Head Start and the urgent need for us to be alert, engaged, and ready to take action.
Thursday, June 26th @ 2 pm – Zoom Link
Additional resources for your advocacy efforts
In the Region 9 states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, and the Outer Pacific, and Nevada, our KEY House Members are the following – If they are your representative, it is doubly important that you act!
(** indicates this member sits on the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over Head Start funding)
Scroll down to the bottom of the page, for more advocacy resources in Region 9!
I have been to management workshops, not leadership training. This has totally changed my perspective and encouraged me to propel forward in developing my skills.
I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Region 9 Head Start Association’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship helped me get one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Head Start Director.
I took part in The disproportionate impact of COVID 19, and how to provide “real” support for black/brown children and families and I just want to say this was an amazing webinar. I hope we can look forward to further conversation on this topic.
Thank you so much for making events like this! I really enjoyed and learned so much teaching strategies to implement STEM in the classroom.
The HR Network was an excellent opportunity to network and learn the best practices from other HR professionals within Head Start programs. You will be amazed by the level of talent and experience of the participants.
The Summer Camp training was powerful and inspiring! Each presenter was very engaging, it’s hard to even pick a favorite session!
The Leadership Challenge training was very relevant to my work as a Head Start leader! Great facilitation; stayed with the program yet allowed time for individual and small group reflections.
Regular price $12.00
Regular price $39.00
Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@region9hsa.org.
