Feature Image for The Case for Strengthening Early Childhood Education and Care in 2025 post

As the debate over the future of early childhood education and care intensifies, programs like Head Start and broader childcare affordability policies are in the spotlight. With the release of Project 2025, which proposes the elimination of Federal Head Start centers, advocates and policymakers must grapple with both criticism and evidence of the program's value. Here's a closer look at why these programs matter and the implications of removing them.

Head Start: A Vital Program Under Threat

Head Start, which provides preschool care for children from low-income families, has faced significant scrutiny, such as claims that it lacks positive long-term academic benefits. Political initiative Project 2025, written by The Heritage Foundation, suggests eliminating the program completely due to its annual $12 billion cost and allegations of inefficacy. “‘They want to cut federal spending and it’s one of the largest discretionary domestic programs. I don’t agree with the assertion, but in Project 2025, they claim there is no proof that Head Start has any long-term benefits to children,’” stated Casey Peeks, senior director of early childhood policy for the Center for American Progress, to the NM Political Report.

However, advocates point to the program’s critical role in preparing children for school. Key literacy, math, and other viable skills developed during preschool set a foundation for future academic and social success. Without programs like Head Start, many children could begin school at a disadvantage, they can “‘develop negative attitudes that impact learning as they progress through their educational attainment,’” expressed Peeks.

Further compounding this issue is the broader crisis of childcare affordability. With millions of families paying astronomical childcare rates, Head Start is one of the few accessible and most importantly, affordable options for many low-income families.

The Childcare Affordability Crisis

"The state of childcare in the U.S. is alarming."

The state of childcare in the U.S. is alarming. According to recent studies:

In this context, cutting programs like Head Start would exacerbate the challenges faced by families already struggling to afford childcare.

A Path Forward

Advocates argue that the solution lies not in cutting programs but in expanding and improving them. Some key solutions include:

  1. Investing in the childcare workforce: Providing living wages to attract and retain quality educators.
  2. Expanding access to full-day, year-round programming: Ensuring families have reliable and consistent care.
  3. Enhancing affordability: Legislation like the Child Care for Working Families Act (CCWFA) offers a roadmap to make childcare accessible for all.

CentroNía

Development & Communications Team