BOSTON, M.A. (Jan. 24, 2024) – Head Start programs provide vital early education and comprehensive services to many of our Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children and families. Governor Healey’s budget request, which cuts funding for Head Start by $2.5 million, will create irreversible harm for programs across the state that are already struggling with staff vacancies and surging demand. This head-scratchingly harsh decision to slash funding for a proven and popular early learning and development model completely contradicts a declaration made just days ago by the governor that “child care is the lynchpin … to everything we do as a state,” as she announced major investments in other child care initiatives. On behalf of our 28 members whose programs serve more than 11,000 children statewide, we will work with the Legislature – the leaders of which have always recognized the importance of Head Start and put dollars behind these services – to restore the funds at risk due to the Governor’s mean-spirited cut.

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(Attributed to Massachusetts Head Start Association Executive Director Michelle Haimowitz)