October is Head Start Awareness Month

October is Head Start Awareness Month

What makes Head Start special?  Here are some of the ways.

Dedicated People:
I started my career in education as a Head Start Teacher in 1979.  Flash forward to 2010 when I became a Head Start Director until retirement.  I love what I do.  Head Start is a vital, wonderful program for children and families.  --former and still involved director

Dedicated Parents:
My daughter had a lot of changes happen all at once when she started at Head Start.  We switched her schools so she could attend full day, we sold our house and moved in with her grandma, and her parents separated so she now had 2 homes.  Our Head Start Program provided school and connected us with a therapist that they partnered with to provide school-based therapy. Without this connection I am not sure we would have gotten her into therapy.  Our Head Start program showed so much compassion during a hard time.  Taking away those extra supports they are able to provide for families would hurt the families in our community. --Head Start parent

Find out more about Head Start in Kansas>>

October is Head Start Awareness Month | Protect Head Start!

In 61 years, Head Start has faced many hurdles.  Our Head Start families and alumni, friends and partners, have stood up each time for this amazing program and let everyone know how Head Start has made a difference for children and families.  On August 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs.”  The proposed rule would eliminate many of the existing quality standards that have long distinguished Head Start as a national model for early childhood services.  Head Start program performance standards are the backbone of everything we do and ensure that each child receives the same high-quality services no matter which program they attend.   

October is Head Start Awareness Month.  KHSA encourages parents, alumni, educators, community members, and all Head Start champions to bring awareness of this latest hurdle to the continuation of Head Start with all of its quality standards intact.  Let’s make everyone aware of the importance of Head Start to over 6,200 children in Kansas.  Make your voices heard and protect Head Start.  The public comment period closes October 6. 

Submit your comments here:  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/07/2026-16134/reducing-federal-burden-for-head-start-programs