Join us in the Movement to Advocate for Head Start

Izzi’s Program Status

Updated 4/25/25

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.

Ways You Can Help

  • 1. Join an Advocacy Day

    Wednesday, May 14

    Wednesday, June 11

    Wednesday, July 9

    On these dates between 3-3:30 PM, we will be collectively making calls and contacting our local officials.

  • 2. Contact Your Local Official

    Urge them to oppose any attempts to weaken or defund Head Start. First Five Years Fund, National Head Start Association Action, ZERO TO THREE, NAEYC, and Child Care Aware of America have tools that make it quick and easy to reach out.

  • 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!

  • 4. Get social and engage

    Have conversations with your family and friends. Follow us on social media @izziearlyed. Follow and engage with other advocacy orgs like @natlheadstart and @headstartca. This is a community effort.

Share 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. Share your story here in English or Spanish.

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.