US government shutdown threatens Head Start funding: Here’s why vulnerable preschoolers are at risk

The US government shutdown threatens federal funding for Head Start programmes, putting over 65,000 vulnerable preschool children at risk. Many centres have missed payments and are relying on reserves or local aid. If the shutdown continues, more closures will follow, affecting essential early education and support services for low-income families. The shutdown also impacts related assistance programmes like WIC and Medicaid, heightening challenges for thousands of families nationwide.