Head Start California

Why Support Head Start California?

Head Start is at risk—and we need your help now!

Despite decades of proven success, Head Start is on the chopping block. Federal budget cuts could mean the end of this essential program for thousands of children across the country. In California alone, 80,000 children and their families could lose access to the education, health services, and family support they rely on.

Head Start isn’t just preschool. It’s a lifeline—offering health screenings, early interventions, nutrition, and the support families need to break the cycle of poverty. At Head Start California, we fight every day to protect and empower these programs through advocacy, training, and resources. But we can’t do it alone.

Now is the time to act. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a new ally of early childhood education, your support can help us protect Head Start for generations to come.

What Will my Gift Provide?

Supporting Head Start California means investing in the future of California's children and families. Your contribution will:

1. Promote Quality Education: Help Head Start programs provide the best early childhood education possible.
2. Advocate for Children and Families: Strengthen our voice in advocating for the resources and policies that benefit low-income families.
3. Build Stronger Communities: Empower families and communities through comprehensive support services and educational opportunities.
4. Foster Innovation: Support the development and sharing of best practices in early childhood education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

About Head Start California

Head Start preschools do amazing work, and they don’t do it alone. Founded in 1995, Head Start California (HSC) is the premier support organization for Head Start agencies throughout California. In the face of unprecedented threats to federally-funded programs like Head Start, HSC ensures that the Head Start community has a strong, unified voice. We serve as a vital resource and advocate for the nearly 140 Head Start programs in the state, ensuring they have the support, training, and funding needed to deliver high-quality services to children and their families.

HSC champions the needs of children and families in California through advocacy, professional development, and support for Head Start programs. Our current initiatives include training and workshops for Head Start professionals, focusing on areas such as early childhood education, health, and family engagement. 

HSC also engages in policy advocacy to secure funding and support for Head Start programs, ensuring that children from low-income families receive comprehensive early childhood education and services. Through partnerships and community engagement, we strive to improve outcomes for children and families across the state.

Program Impact

Head Start California is dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families through a range of initiatives:

We champion policies and secure funding at the federal, state, and local levels, ensuring that Head Start programs can continue to serve low-income families effectively.	Our extensive training and resources equip Head Start educators and staff with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver top-tier early childhood education.
We facilitate collaboration and information sharing among Head Start programs, promoting best practices and fostering innovation.	We provide tools, research, and technical assistance to help Head Start programs meet and exceed performance standards, ensuring that every child receives the support they need.

Learn more about what the Head Start program provides on the next tab.

Funding Needs

To sustain and expand our vital services, we seek funding for the following priorities:

1. Advocacy Efforts: Enhancing our advocacy initiatives to secure increased funding and supportive policies for Head Start programs.
2. Training and Professional Development: Expanding our professional development offerings to ensure that Head Start staff are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of children and families.
3. Resource Development: Developing and disseminating high-quality resources to support program excellence across the state.
4. Research and Evaluation: Conducting research to assess the impact of Head Start programs and identify areas for improvement.
5. Community Engagement: Strengthening our efforts to involve families and communities in the Head Start mission, ensuring that we address their needs effectively.

Head Start California is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. With your support, we can continue to advocate for, empower, and uplift California's most vulnerable children and families, creating a brighter future for all.