little girl with dandelion

Call to Action: Support Head Start


Take action: Tell Congress, "Cuts to Head Start hurt children, families, and communities. Protect this essential program."


WHAT'S AT STAKE?
Late on April 17, a leaked memo from the Office of Management and Budget showed that the White House’s budget request will call for eliminating Head Start entirely. That would immediately cut off nearly 800,000 children from free early education, meals, health screenings and family support services they currently depend on. It would also dismantle the local community programs—both in cities and rural areas—that give parents a voice in how their kids learn.

IHSA Press Release

WHY IT MATTERS?
Right now, nearly 800,000 Illinois kids rely on Head Start for early education, health care, and meals. If Congress lets the White House’s budget wish list stand, they’ll lose access to services they can’t get anywhere else.

ACT NOW TO SAVE HEAD START!

HEAD START'S IMPACT

800K+ children served annually
$8–$12 return for every $1 invested
60 years of bipartisan support

Are you more the strong and silent type? 

Fuel our advocacy effort - A gift of $1 for each child we serve (about $28,600 at full scale) powers our work in Springfield and Washington, D.C

I want to support advocacy to #ProtectHeadStart

TAKE ACTION NOW

Take action with NHSA

Take action with FFYF

Link to child care aware advocacy hub

Take action with CCA

PREFER TO WRITE YOUR OWN PERSONAL MESSAGE?

Use Democracy.io to easily send a personalized email to your U.S. Senators and Representative.

  • Type your ZIP code
  • Choose your lawmakers
  • Share your story or concerns in your own words

Your voice matters—make it personal.

Democracy.io


ADVOCATE YOUR WAY

Share Your Story

  • Record or write 
    • Shoot a quick 30 second video or type 2–3 sentences about why Head Start matters to you, your family, your classroom, or your community.
  • Post on social media
    • Upload your video or text to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
    • Use #ProtectHeadStart and tag @ILHeadStart and @YourMemberofCongress so we/they see it.
  • Email it in
    • Send your video file or written story to info@ilheadstart.org with the subject line “My Head Start Story.”
    • Get featured - We’ll pick our favorites to share on the IHSA website and social channels—your voice could inspire hundreds more people to stand up for Head Start!

This way, whether you post, tag, or email, your story reaches both your lawmakers and the entire IHSA community.

Write a Letter to the Editor

Pick your local paper (online or print), follow their submission guidelines, and explain how Head Start helps your community. Keep it under 200 words and mention “budget cuts” by name."

Not sure where to begin? 

Check this sample to inspire you.

Submit an Op-ED

If you have deeper experience, draft a 600 word piece for your state’s largest outlet. Focus on local data—how many kids in your county rely on Head Start?

Attend Your Congressional Member's Town Hall

Find upcoming in-district events on their website. Arrive early with one clear sentence: “I’m here because Head Start serves nearly 800,000 kids—we need you to support Head Start."

Explore the IHSA Advocacy Toolkits
Everyone has a role to play in protecting and promoting Head Start
Head Start changes lives—and everyone has a role to play in speaking up for it. Whether you’re a parent, staff member, or community partner, the tools below are here to help you take action. We’ve grouped the resources into three sections: Programs & Staff, Parents & Families, and Community Supporters. Each includes easy-to-use templates, story tools, and ways to get involved—no experience needed. Start small. Share your story. Invite someone else. Every voice counts.

FOR PROGRAMS & STAFF

Tools & Resources: Easy Ways to Advocate

Everything you need to confidently and compliantly advocate for Head Start.
FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES

Your story is your superpower

You know firsthand what Head Start means - and your story can help protect it.
COMMUNITY & ALLIES

Strong communities stand with Head Start

Whether you're a business, school partner, or civic leader - your support matters.
SOCIAL MEDIA

Keep Head Start visible - and valued

Share what Head Start really does through bold visuals and facts.

IHSA's social media card campaign series - available to view, download and use. (Updated regurlary)

View & Download Here