Head Start Director Sounds Alarm on Looming Federal Funding Cuts

By Nicole Blais

Since 1965, Head Start has been an essential source of support for millions of children and families, offering early childhood education, health services, and family support to those who need it most. 

This 60-year history rings true right here in the Greater Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield area. Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Inc. (HCS Head Start) started in 1965 in the community room of Toepfert Housing in Holyoke with one classroom and today has grown to serve more than 600 children and families (with an additional 700 families on our waitlists) annually in several local communities.

Commentary

HCS Head Start is more than just a program; it is a lifeline that connects families to vital resources. The looming threats of federal funding cuts— especially to programs that safeguard the health and wellbeing of our children and families — is an issue affecting more than just those we serve.

These cuts should concern everyone who is committed to the vitality of the region because the ripple effect of lost funding will go far beyond families served. Parents may find themselves unable to work because they cannot secure childcare, affecting local employers. 

The elimination of Head Start would impact HCS as an employer, affecting more than 220 dedicated and qualified staff, thus affecting the local economy. Our vendors, consultants, and small businesses we work with will be impacted and most importantly, children will be unprepared for kindergarten affecting our local school districts, many who are also struggling due to funding cuts. 

The Head Start program is highly regulated and frequently audited to ensure we are good stewards of federal resources, and the children enrolled in our programs make significant gains toward school readiness every year. In addition, Head Start leads families to economic self-sufficiency and helps them find a pathway to independence and success, one parent and child at a time; close to 25% of employees of HCS are past or current Head Start parents. While we provide crucial early learning services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, the strength of our program truly lies in the unwavering support of our community. Community partners, parents, devoted volunteers, consultants, and many others are integral to our success; we need you now more than ever. 

For six decades, our nation has made incredible strides in early education, thanks to the critical investments made in Head Start at the federal level. Years of research tell us that, for every dollar invested in early education, our communities receive a remarkable 13% return on investment. We simply cannot afford to take steps backward now; the wellbeing of our children, families, and communities depends on it. 

Nicole Blais is CEO of HCS Head Start Inc.