KHSA Statement on Continued Federal Shutdown

Kansas Head Start Association Statement on Continued Federal Shutdown

Lawrence, Kansas — During the federal shutdown, all Head Start programs in Kansas continue to operate as normal, providing critical high-quality early education and social services to children in low-income households. The Kansas Head Start Association is concerned, however, about potential disruptions in critical services and supports for Head Start children and families in our state and across the nation as the shutdown continues. 

Head Start’s goal is to prepare young children for school. Most families with children enrolled in Head Start are working and rely on Head Start for child care. Federal Head Start funding is critical for the well-being of nearly 6,300 young Kansans and their families. 

  • Over $90 million in federal Head Start funding flowed into Kansas’s economy in FY2025 – directly to the local programs who provide these services in their communities.

  • Nearly 2,500 individuals work in Head Start program in Kansas and are an integral part of the state’s early childhood workforce.

  • Over 4,900 parents are able to work, go to school, or participate in job training as a result of Head Start support.

“We are celebrating 60 years of Head Start this year. Disruptions to Head Start funding threaten the ability of programs to provide services that are vital to the well-being of our most vulnerable children and their families,” says Heather Schrotberger, executive director of the Kansas Head Start Association.

Nationwide, the Head Start program relies on federal funds which are appropriated by Congress annually. The Office of Head Start is not able to issue funding until Congress passes a spending bill. Approximately 130 Head Start programs collectively serving over 56,000 children are due to receive Head Start grants on November 1st.

Kansans can reach out to their members of Congress HERE.

For more information contact: hschrotberger@ksheadstart.org, 785-856-3132

For a PDF version of this statement>>

Register now for the October 9 State Meeting!

HEAD START IN KANSAS: NURTURING CHILDREN.  ENGAGING FAMILIES.  ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

Join us for the October State Meeting and Network Conversations for Directors, ERSEA, Education Managers, Behavioral Health/Disabilities, and Parents

October 9, 2025, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Webster Conference Center, Salina, KS

KHSA State Meeting Agenda:

8:30       Arrival and check-in 

9:00       Welcome and opening  

9:15       State and National Updates  

9:45       Keynote: Dr. Anne Meeker Watson: The Rhythm of Delight and Connection: Building a Joyful Head Start Community through Music

In this keynote, we will explore how the intentional use of music and shared experience can serve as the connective tissue for a vibrant Head Start community. We will move beyond music as a supplement to see it as a powerful, research-backed tool for building a sense of belonging, nurturing emotional intelligence, and strengthening bonds between children, families, and staff.

This session will provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies for integrating music into daily routines, transforming everyday moments into opportunities for joyful connection. We will discuss how rhythmic rituals can support early literacy and emotional regulation in children while providing a shared language of support for families. We will make space for reveling in all that is delightful and worthy of our admiration within our loving relationships with children and families.  Join us to discover how the universal language of music can be the heartbeat of your program, creating a joyful, connected, and resilient Head Start community.

11:00     Group Picture and Break 

11:15     Network Connections and Conversations: Each network will meet individually for a time of connecting, sharing, and learning.

12:15     Lunch 

1:00       Network Conversations: Networks will meet for reflective discussions focused on Nurturing Children and Strengthening Families.

  • Directors: Nurturing Children and Strengthening Families: What’s on the Horizon?

  • ERSEA: Nurturing Children and Strengthening Families: Community Focused Strategies

  • Behavioral Health and Disabilities/Education (joint session with external facilitator): Nurturing Child and Strengthening Families: Responding and Adapting to Emerging Needs

  • Parents: Nurturing Children and Strengthening Families: Setting a Vision for Elevating Parent and Family Voice and Perspective

2:40       Closing 

3:00       Safe Travels!  

Network discussion times include opportunities for resource and strategy sharing, networking, and emergent topics.

Register here>>

Other Notes for Registration:

  • T-shirts –  Order your 2025/2026 State Meeting t-shirt here! Also, the 60th Anniversary tshirt options are still available!  

2025/2026 State Meeting T-Shirts & Pullovers sport this year’s Meeting theme and come in adult short-sleeved premium, cotton, and slim-fit styles; long-sleeved cotton style; pullover hoodie, and sweatshirt. Youth short and long-sleeve t-shirts; toddler short sleeve; and onsies have the kiddos covered. We also have ball caps, mugs, and totes with this logo. Adult colors are gray, white, yellow, chocolate, blue, and cream in most styles.