Start Early

10/14/2026

Every child deserves to see their world reflected in the stories they read. 💜

A familiar word, a family tradition or a character who looks like them can help children feel seen, build a sense of belonging and spark curiosity about the world around them.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, explore our collection of children’s books celebrating the diverse cultures, families and experiences of Latino communities — and find a new story to share with the little ones in your life.

📚 Explore the reading list: https://bit.ly/3TH5TXX

10/13/2026

October is Head Start Awareness Month. ❤️ We celebrate Head Start for its more than six-decade commitment to supporting the healthy development of children from birth to age 5 and promoting school readiness so children can thrive in school.

At the foundation of this work is quality early learning, which starts with valuing children and families for who they are. Head Start programs across the country engage parents and caregivers in the classroom and incorporate their lived experiences, home languages and cultures into learning and curriculum.

As the comment period on the proposed Head Start standards recently closed, more than 40,000 parents, caregivers, educators, advocates and community members made their voices heard about why effective early learning and care matters so much to them and their communities.
In her latest blog, Start Early President Celena Sarillo shares why quality, culturally responsive Head Start programs are essential to creating more inclusive learning environments and outcomes for children and families. Read more: https://bit.ly/4rZzlF6

Learn why culturally responsive early learning matters and how valuing children’s cultures, languages and families strengthens quality care.

10/12/2026

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 💙

More than 40,000 public comments were submitted in response to proposed changes to Head Start standards. Whether you shared your story, submitted a comment or helped someone else participate, we’re grateful.

The comment period has closed, but the proposal is not a final rule. Families enrolled in Head Start programs should continue participating as usual and contact their program team with any questions about their services.

We’ll keep sharing updates as the process moves forward. Follow us here and stay connected through Together for Head Start: https://bit.ly/4yKB2J1

10/06/2026

Today is the last day to speak up for Head Start.

For more than 60 years, Head Start has helped children and families thrive, providing early learning, developmental screenings, family support and inclusive services for children with disabilities.

Now, proposed federal changes could weaken the quality and availability of this vital program.

We can’t afford to lose the support families count on.

Whether Head Start has been part of your family’s story or you simply believe every child deserves a strong start, your voice matters. Today is your last opportunity to tell federal leaders why Head Start matters to you and your community.

📣 Use our simple public comment template and submit your comment by midnight tonight.

Make your voice part of the public record and help protect Head Start for children and families.

🔗 Submit your comment: https://bit.ly/3TopYlC

10/05/2026

For families of young children with disabilities and developmental delays, getting the right support early can make a meaningful difference.

Early intervention and other individualized services can help children build skills, participate and thrive, while helping families understand their child’s needs and connect with resources and support.

Head Start is an important part of this early childhood support system. For Molly, that support was personal: Head Start helped her navigate services for her own young child and gave her the opportunity to use that experience to help other families access the support they need.

Every child deserves timely, inclusive support. Every family deserves to know where to turn.

As proposed changes to Head Start could affect the services and supports children and families rely on, now is the time to speak up.

Learn more and submit a public comment by October 6: https://bit.ly/3TopYlC

09/29/2026

09/25/2026

Head Start gave one father's son something simple but powerful: a routine. Each day brought structure, new activities and new experiences—and each evening brought something to talk about at the dinner table.

As conversations continue about the future of Head Start programs and services, families are speaking up about the support that makes a difference in their lives. Head Start helps children and families access the care, support and opportunities they need to grow.

Your voice can help protect Head Start. Learn more and submit a public comment today: https://bit.ly/3TopYlC

09/17/2026

For more than 60 years, Head Start has been a trusted source of early learning and family support, helping children and families build a strong foundation for the future. But proposed federal changes could weaken the quality standards that help make Head Start so effective.

These standards help ensure children have access to high-quality early learning, developmental screenings, family support and inclusive services for children with disabilities. Protecting these standards means protecting the quality and support families count on.

We need your voice.

Use our public comment template to tell federal leaders why Head Start matters and why these critical standards must be protected.

Every voice matters. Submit your comment today — and share this post with your community to help more people understand what’s at stake for Head Start: https://bit.ly/4bAn9nk

09/16/2026

What does it look like when parents move from being consulted to becoming leaders in advocacy and policy change?

At the 2026 National Home Visiting Summit, Katie Ickes, Parent Ambassador with Changent, will share how parent ambassador programs can elevate lived experience, strengthen parent leadership and help turn community voice into meaningful policy and practice change.

Drawing from Changent’s Parent Ambassador Program, Katie will explore practical strategies for recruiting, training and supporting parents to confidently engage in advocacy at the state and federal levels — and we’ll hear directly from Parent Ambassadors about their experiences and journeys.

We’re looking forward to bringing this important conversation to the Summit! 💜

09/15/2026

Before a federal rule becomes final, there’s a window where the public can weigh in.

That window is open right now for proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards – these standards ensure Head Start programs across the country are high quality, consistent across geographies and inclusive and accessible to everyone who needs them.

Swipe through to learn how you can share your perspective about the proposed changes, then use our simple comment template to tell federal leaders why Head Start's standards must be protected: https://bit.ly/4y1tNfK

Know someone who cares about early childhood education? Share this post — the more people who understand this process and know how to raise their voices, the more impact we can have and the stronger our collective voice will be. Let’s come