Join us in the Movement to Advocate for Head Start

Izzi Advocacy Days: 5/14, 6/11, and 7/9 at 3:30-4:00 PM

Izzi’s Program Status

Updated 5/8/25

The potential loss of Head Start programs nationwide is devastating. Izzi Early Education has confirmed short-term funding, but the uncertainty around future long-term federal funding is a cause for concern. We stand in solidarity with every Head Start child, family, and educator impacted across the country to keep fighting for early education.

Head Start Adovcacy Tool Kit

  • 1. Contact Your Local Official (Email or call)

    Below you will find three auto-filled messages you can quickly submit to send a message of support for Head Start to your elected representatives. If you are not comfortable using your email address or address, you can use an anonymous address*.

    Task 1: NHSA – Support Funding for Head Start

    Task 2: Zero to Three – Send an email to your representatives

    Task 3: First Five Years Fund – Ask Democratic Members to sign Appropriations letters

    If you’d like to make a call, this link (source: Zero to Three) will provide you with how you can connect with your elected officials and a call script you can follow to share your message of support.

  • 2. Sign the NHSA petition

    Act Now: Sign This Letter to President Trump to Save Head Start

    *For parents who are uncomfortable providing their personal information:

    Only your name and state will be included in this letter to the President — your email address will not be shared. You are welcome to enter just your first name and last initial.

    For your email, you can create an anonymous address using the domain "@headstart.usa", for example: "Alex79029@headstart.usa"

    Submitting your active email address allows us to notify you when urgent Head Start advocacy actions are needed.

    All "@headstart.usa" email addresses will be deleted from our database.

    Your voice matters — and your privacy does too.

  • 3. Share How Head Start Has Impacted You

    Elevating your voices as Izzi parents, families, and staff is hugely important to ensuring the future security of Head Start programs nationally. Use the form below to share your story!

    Record your story for social media or reshare any of our Izzi social media posts about supporting Head Start. Add a message like “Protect Head Start Now!” and tag us @izziearlyed. Consider to also tag @region9hsa @natlheadstart @headstartca and use hashtags #headstart #protectheadstart.

    Find us @izziearlyed on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn!

  • 5. Spread the Word!

    Do you know a former Izzi family, staff member, or student whose story could help show the lasting impact of Head Start? We’re looking to reconnect with alumni who might be willing to share a short testimonial. These stories are powerful advocacy tools and hearing from those who’ve experienced Izzi’s impact firsthand can help protect our programs for future generations.

    If you’d like to reach out directly, here’s a message you can use or adapt:

    Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I’m reaching out because Izzi Early Education is collecting testimonials from former families and staff to help protect Head Start funding. If you’re open to sharing how Izzi made a difference in your life, we’d be so grateful. You can share your story here (in English or Spanish): https://www.izziearlyed.org/advocacy. Thank you!

    Feel free to pass along any names or contact info to our team if you’d rather we follow up directly.

How Head Start has impacted your life!

For Izzi families, staff, former IHSD students and parents. We want to hear how we have helped shape your life.

Consider sharing in English or Spanish:

  • A specific moment when you saw Izzi make a real difference in a child's life

  • A time you witnessed a child make remarkable progress – socially, emotionally, or academically – thanks to Izzi?

  • How Izzi creates a sense of community for families and staff?

  • What motivates you to show up each day?

From Our Families and Staff: Message to Congress

We are calling on our communities and leaders to protect Head Start and Early Head Start—lifeline programs that serve more than 750,000 of the nation’s most vulnerable children. These federally funded programs provide much more than early education: they offer critical access to meals, health and dental screenings, mental health support, and developmental services for children living in poverty, in foster care, or experiencing homelessness.

Head Start helps prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. It also gives families the support they need to thrive—including many who would otherwise have no access to child care at all, particularly in rural or under-resourced communities.

Eliminating or weakening Head Start isn’t just cutting a program—it’s cutting off opportunity, stability, and care from children who need it most. It’s forcing parents and caregivers out of the workforce. It’s turning our backs on equity.

We reject any attempt to dismantle these essential services. We urge you to join us in protecting Head Start—for our children, our families, and our future.

I know IHSD/Izzi will keep growing and serving more families and make more impact. The agency has innovated so much through the years.

- Claudia Montepeque, “Honoring 40 Years of Dedication to the Community”

I would encourage others to advocate for Head Start in any way they can, whether it’s calling state representatives, sharing personal stories about the impact of Head Start, or joining a rally when their schedule allows.

- Silvia Espinoza, “Head Start Heads to the State Capitol”

Preschool had a great impact on me as a child. I built my social skills, made friends, dealt with conflicts and gained independence, but the biggest impact from preschool would have to be my overall wellbeing and academic success.

- Lindsey Lintner, “A Beautiful Connection Between Teacher Tobi and Former Head Start Student”

I was introduced to Head Start when I was working in Texas and fell in love with the Head Start model. Because it’s not just about the child, it’s about the whole family and being part of the community.

- Mattie Cramer, “Mattie Cramer’s Road to Head Start”

What we do here with Izzi for the kids, I know later on in life it’ll mean something to them, because it did for me.

- Denise Cifuentes, “Full Circle from Student to Staff Member”

FAQs

  • While we are taking this seriously, the likelihood of total elimination is low. Head Start has been around for 60 years, has millions of supporters, and is proven to deliver positive economic and social outcomes.

    Still, Congress is unpredictable, and there could be partial cuts, delays, or freezes. That’s why we’re organizing meetings with our representatives, collecting impact data, and activating community support.

  • No immediate changes are happening. Families will continue to receive services, and we are working hard to prevent any disruption.

    In fact, families are a key part of our advocacy, and we are inviting them to take action with us so their voices are heard by policymakers.

  • We’re already taking action:

    • Engaging elected officials at every level (local, state, federal)

    • Scenario planning for different funding outcomes

    • Building coalitions with funders and partners

    • Preparing data that shows Izzi’s impact and value to our community

    • Planning an Advocacy Day to raise our collective voice

    • Involving families in direct advocacy with petitions, calls, and possible meetings with elected officials

  • A recent National Head Start Association webinar brought together over 9,000 Head Start supporters. The takeaway? We are not alone. Across the country, providers, families, and advocates are mobilizing to protect Head Start in a movement. We have access to resources, templates, talking points, and strategies that will keep us organized and strong in this effort.

  • Yes. California’s state leadership has consistently supported Head Start, and we are working closely with state-level partners to ensure our voices are heard. Our state delegation understands the importance of early education, especially for low-income and working families.