Illinois Head Start joins national lawsuit against HHS
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Teacher Gines Gaytan works with children at the River Valley Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program in Kankakee in July 2010. Photo: Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The Illinois Head Start Association has joined parent advocates and Head Start programs from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington in a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over potential cuts to the Head Start program.
Why it matters: Head Start serves more than 790,000 children through age 5 who rely on the federal programs for learning, meals and health care services, per a report from Center for American Progress, Axios' Emily Peck reports.
Driving the news: Illinois Head Start Association (HSA) and others filed the complaint in Washington state on Monday, following news of a leaked HHS budget that showed Head Start would be cut.
The other side: "HHS does not comment on ongoing litigation," HHS spokesperson Emily G. Hilliard told Axios.
Flashback: Congress created Head Start in 1965 to provide early education and child care for families in need.
- Head Start has served 40 million children nationwide throughout its history, according to the lawsuit.
Zoom out: Plaintiffs point to recent news reports that say President Trump's budget calls for the elimination of Head Start by September and budget materials that say the program uses "a 'radical' curriculum and gives preference to illegal immigrants."
- The lawsuit says the Trump administration "criticizes (Head Start) for diversity, equity and inclusion programming and the use of resources that encourage toddlers to welcome children and families with different sexual orientations."
- HHS has already closed half of the Head Start locations nationwide, including Chicago's.
Zoom in: Illinois HSA reiterated in the lawsuit its mission to serve all of Illinois, stating that its "members adhere to Program Standards of Conduct, which require that staff, consultants, contractors, and volunteers will respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family, without stereotyping on any basis, including gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or family composition."
- Illinois HSA also serves immigrants, refugees, and other families with limited English proficiency.
By the numbers: Illinois HSA received $455 million in federal funding last year and serves about 28,000 kids annually.
- More than 14% of children in Head Start have disabilities, and nearly 8% are experiencing homelessness, according to the lawsuit.
What they're saying: "Head Start is one of the most popular and effective federal programs," Illinois HSA executive director Lauri Frichtl said in a statement.
- "It has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of young people from all backgrounds and communities in Illinois. We are committed to continuing this service for all children."
What's next: The complaint requests that the court declare the dismantling of Head Start unconstitutional and unlawful and postpone the effective date of any actions, including moves to freeze or terminate the disbursement of appropriated Head Start funds.