For more than 60 years, Head Start has embodied one of America’s most enduring promises: that every child, regardless of circumstance, deserves a fair chance to succeed. Today, that promise faces a threat that has nothing to do with demand or program quality. It’s simple math.

Head Start serves nearly 700,000 children and families in every congressional district through a comprehensive model that combines early education, healthcare, nutrition, and family support. For many families, it is far more than preschool. It’s a lifeline that helps children get ready for school, parents work, and communities prosper.