Introduction to the Government Shutdown
Without an end to the federal government shutdown by Saturday, some 65,000 children and their families nationwide stand to lose Head Start early childcare and preschool services as soon as next week.
Impact on Chicago-Area Head Start Programs
None of the affected programs are in the Chicago area, the Illinois Head Start Association says. A lone program in downstate Illinois could be impacted next month. Local families have a longer runway because budget years vary for recipients of Head Start grants.
Potential Funding Cuts in December
But on Dec. 1, Head Start budgets could end for programs serving 6,300 children that are overseen by the city of Chicago and two other large social service organizations, the Carole Robertson Center and the Henry Booth House. “I’m hoping that we can have some resolution prior to then,” said Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, executive director of the Illinois Head Start Association. “But it’s not looking good. There’s been no movement.”
Consequences of the Shutdown on Families
Meanwhile though, she says, roughly the same families who use Head Start also likely receive grocery money through SNAP, another federal program facing a funding Nov. 1 cut-off because of the government shutdown. “Even if Head Start does open, how are we going to support families with food security?” said Morrison-Frichtl. “There’s all kinds of things that our families utilize within the system. Without all of that working, it puts families and children in jeopardy.”
Effingham Head Start Program
The one Head Start program that could lose funding on Nov. 1 is in rural Effingham, more than three hours south of Chicago. It serves 335 kids and employs 104 people over seven counties. A stopgap grant through the Illinois Association of Community Action Agency will provide funding to keep services going for about another week, Morrison-Frichtl said.
History of Head Start and the Trump Administration
Head Start has been in the Trump administration’s crosshairs since before his inauguration. Though the program, designed to support both low-income children and their families too young for kindergarten, has long had bipartisan support, it was targeted for elimination in Project 2025. That’s the right-wing blueprint for how to scale back the government that the administration has been closely hewing to since January.
Previous Threats to Head Start Funding
Earlier this year, the program that educates about 28,000 young children in Illinois experienced problems with accessing funding and threats to zero out its funding for 2026. Then the Trump administration abruptly proposed adding children’s immigration status to determine eligibility, changes which are temporarily halted in an ongoing lawsuit by Head Start groups and providers in Illinois and elsewhere.
Conclusion
The government shutdown poses a significant threat to the well-being of families and children who rely on Head Start programs. While Chicago-area programs may be spared until December, the uncertainty surrounding the shutdown’s end date has left many families and providers on edge. It is essential for lawmakers to find a resolution to the shutdown to ensure that these vital programs can continue to support those in need.
FAQs
- Q: How many children and families are at risk of losing Head Start services due to the government shutdown?
A: Approximately 65,000 children and their families nationwide stand to lose Head Start services. - Q: Are any Chicago-area Head Start programs affected by the shutdown?
A: No, none of the affected programs are in the Chicago area. - Q: What is the potential impact on Head Start programs in December?
A: Head Start budgets could end for programs serving 6,300 children in the Chicago area on Dec. 1. - Q: How do the shutdown and potential funding cuts affect families who rely on SNAP and other federal programs?
A: Families who use Head Start also likely receive grocery money through SNAP, which faces a funding cut-off due to the shutdown, putting them at risk of food insecurity.
