Child and Family Development Programs

03/16/2026

🏛️ How does Congress decide funding levels for programs like Head Start?
Before funding decisions are made, members of Congress often sign letters showing support for programs that matter to their communities.

Right now, we are asking members of the House of Representatives to sign a Dear Colleague letter supporting strong funding for Head Start.
You can help by asking your Representative to sign the letter 👉 https://hubs.la/Q046pxBz0

03/06/2026

Head Start programs across Oregon are navigating a challenging environment shaped by federal funding delays, changes to regional coordination, and rising operating costs. Together, these pressures are making it increasingly difficult to maintain classrooms and services for children and families.

As lawmakers review the state budget, stable funding for Head Start remains essential to keeping classrooms open, supporting educators, and delivering critical services families rely on.

Please contact your legislator and ask them to protect Head Start funding so programs can continue serving children and families across Oregon at this link: https://ow.ly/C0m650Yo9b8

02/06/2026

Some of our team visiting the capital in Salem to advocate for continued support and funding for Head Start and OPK. We had amazing parents (current and past) that shared their stories, and it was evident they spoke from the heart. The work of Head Start/OPK is truly heart work.❣️

01/08/2026

Oregon Head Start programs need your help!

During the 2025 session, the Oregon legislature allocated $380.7 million to support Head Start programs with the passage of Senate Bill 5514. Less than three months after the legislature adjourned, Head Start learned the Department of Early Learning and Care cut their budget by $9.5 million with no input from Head Start programs.

These cuts will have a devastating impact on local programs already struggling to provide for children and families in their communities. Programs have faced challenges at the federal level, and now they are facing them from the state.

Please contact Governor Kotek’s office and ask her to restore $9.5 million in funding cuts to Head Start programs. Funding is critical for Head Start to serve families in need and without significant service disruptions to families.

10/29/2025

CALL TO ACTION! The shutdown is hurting families. If Congress doesn’t act by Nov 1st, over 100 Head Start programs may lose funding — putting thousands of kids across the country at risk. Congress: End the shutdown. Protect Head Start.

While our program is continuing to operate many programs are at risk. We need to take action now. You can find resources and ways to share your voice at: https://www.ffyf.org/take-action/

10/20/2025

We are so grateful that the government shutdown has not impacted our program's services to children and families. Please be assured that all of our sites are, and will continue to operate. However, there are other programs across the country that are being impacted by the shut down.

PARENTS NEED STABILITY TO WORK!
Head Start isn't just preschool—it's what allows working parents in communities to keep their jobs. Without affordable, reliable child care, parents working multiple jobs or attending school will
be forced to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their children.

CONGRESS MUST ACT NOW
For 60 years, Head Start has been a bipartisan commitment to our nation's children. We need Congress and the President to end this shutdown immediately, restore funding, and pass a budget that lets us continue serving families. Our children's development can't wait for Washington's dysfunction.

You can take action to support Head Start nation wide!

Take Action for Head Start: Let your elected officials know proposed Head Start funding cuts will hurt kids!

10/01/2025

While the government shutdown is the big story of the day, there is still something to celebrate — it’s Month! 🎉

Since 1965, Head Start has been more than an early childhood education program. It's been:
✨ A launchpad for 40 million children to succeed in school and life
🤝 A partner to families pursuing education and careers
🏘️ A catalyst for growth in communities nationwide
💼 A vital employer and economic engine in rural, urban, and suburban areas

The numbers tell a powerful story:
🌟 Nearly 750,000 children and families served annually
🌟 13%+ annual ROI — outperforming many traditional investments
🌟 Countless success stories from alumni who are now teachers, CEOs, healthcare heroes, and community leaders

But Head Start's true impact can't be measured in numbers alone. It's found in the parent who earned their degree while their child was in our program, the small business owner who got their start through Head Start partnerships, and the community thriving because Head Start brought people together.

As we celebrate and build on 60 years of bipartisan support across 11 administrations, we continue to work with stronger commitment to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Join us in celebrating! Share your Head Start story using and . Whether you're an alum, parent, educator, or supporter, your voice matters in telling the story of how strong families and strong communities power our nation.

🚀 Here are more ways to celebrate throughout the month. https://nhsa.org/head-start-awareness-month/

05/20/2025

05/19/2025

This Sunday, May 18, marked the 60th anniversary of one of the nation's most impactful early learning programs, Head Start. Learn how you can get involved to commemorate this historic milestone. https://nhsa.org/press_release/head-start-celebrates-60-years-of-empowering-children-and-families-nationwide/

03/05/2025

Nominate your favorite educator!! What a wonderful way to recognize our teachers.

12/31/2024

Children who experience stress or trauma without the support they need to heal are more likely to experience health and mental health challenges in adulthood, but Head Start programs can help families build resilience.

Learn how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can counter the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): https://bit.ly/3ZNqlVT

09/24/2024