How axing Head Start would affect Pa. kids
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Thousands of Pennsylvania children could lose funding for Head Start, the decades-old federal program that provides free child care, nutrition assistance and other services to low income families.
Why it matters: Shuttering the Head Start program — reportedly under White House consideration — would be "devastating" for the 35,000 Pennsylvania children and families who rely on it, says Kara McFalls, executive director of the Pennsylvania Head Start Association.
- Losing federal Head Start funding would worsen child care waitlists, costs and staffing, especially in rural areas where it's often the only option, McFalls says.
Driving the news: The Trump administration called for the program's elimination in a draft budget plan first obtained last week by the Washington Post, Axios' Emily Peck and Maya Goldman report.
Catch up quick: Federal layoffs, office closures and funding delays are already disrupting Head Start programs in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
- Some providers, who rely on quick turnaround to meet payroll, report that expected payments have not arrived, putting child care services at risk, says McFalls.
Zoom in: Pennsylvania offers Head Start through center-based preschools and home visits. The state provides additional funding to increase access to the program.
By the numbers: Pennsylvania got $384 million for over 23,000 Head Start funding spots in 2023-24, including $130 million for Western Pennsylvania, per government data.
- About 2,500 enrolled children were experiencing homelessness and over 1,000 were in foster care statewide.
- Last year, Pennsylvania's 12th, 14th, and 17th Congressional Districts had over 5,500 Head Start funding slots, per a CAP analysis.
- Infant care in Pennsylvania averages $1,113 a month; care for a 4-year-old averages $983 a month, per the Economic Policy Institute.
Zoom out: More than 790,000 kids through age 5 nationwide rely on Head Start for learning, meals and health care services, per a CAP report.
- Research shows Head Start boosts educational outcomes, lowers rates of teen pregnancy and criminal involvement, and increases earnings into adulthood.
Reality check: The White House proposal shows Trump's spending priorities, but Congress has the final say in how discretionary funds are allocated. No final funding decisions have been made, OMB communications director Rachel Cauley told Axios.
- The White House didn't respond to a request for comment on further Head Start cuts.
What they're saying: "It's an existential threat to all families with young children in Pennsylvania," says McFalls. "Families would be forced to choose between work or a child care arrangement that may not ensure child safety. It would also mean 10,000 people who work in these programs would be unemployed. That's a significant economic impact."