Last updated: October 28, 2025 • Illinois Head Start Association
Many shutdown impacts will hit in the next couple of weeks as programs run out of funding and grants are not issued. The impact nationally on Head Start—134 programs and nearly 60,000 children potentially affected—has been widely reported in national and local media. Illinois currently has one program with a November 1 grant date.
The Trump Administration announced it will stop SNAP benefits on November 1. SNAP has a $5 billion contingency fund that the Administration has chosen not to use. Read more from CBS News â
Illinois DHS posted: For the most recent updates, visit the SNAP Federal Impact Center, which includes a link to Feeding Illinois where individuals and families may search for food pantries and other assistance programs. Users can filter by location and program type to find the best fit for their needs.
According to IL DHS, Illinois WIC is funded to operate throughout November.
Home Grown shared an update on the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) via LinkedIn: View the post â
The Senate returned yesterday but did not hold a vote on the continuing resolution (CR). The House remains out of session, with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) indicating he will decide on returning day-by-day. The House has not been in session since September 19.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has called for Congress to end the shutdown immediately by passing a clean CR, criticizing both parties for putting political spin ahead of workers. The AFGE’s president, Everett Kelley, called the situation a “national disgrace.”
Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) are working to merge their two shutdown funding bills to create bipartisan legislation that would pay federal employees. Senator John Thune (R-SD) has said he is open to compromise, though no deal is close.
Democratic unity is showing strain as the shutdown drags on. Senators Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, and John Fetterman recently broke from leadership to vote for the Shutdown Fairness Act (S.3012). Meanwhile, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) continues to push for a three-bill minibus approach to pass appropriations bills.
Key date to watch: November 1, when SNAP funding runs out. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act (S.3024) to temporarily fund the program using unobligated USDA funds.
A judge has expanded the injunction protecting employees under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)—including staff in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)—from further Reduction in Force (RIF) actions. This includes staff supporting the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five (PDG B-5) programs.
While the injunction prevents new layoffs, staff remain on administrative leave. The PDG B-5 program will likely lapse approximately $222 million in funds that were expected to be distributed to states and territories by year’s end.
The federal shutdown is already hurting families — and time is running out. If Congress doesn’t act by November 1st, tens of thousands of children across the country could lose access to Head Start and the critical services their families depend on.
Because of the way Head Start grants are funded, six programs in three states (serving 6,525 children) are already operating without federal funding, relying on emergency local resources. By November 1, another 134 programs in 41 states and Puerto Rico—serving more than 58,000 children—will face closure unless Congress acts swiftly.
The shutdown is hurting families. If Congress doesn’t act by Nov 1, 134 Head Start programs in 41 states may lose funding—putting thousands of kids at risk.
Congress: End the shutdown. Protect Head Start.
#EndTheShutdown #StandForHeadStart
IHSA summarizes current developments for program operations. Verify funding and compliance details with OHS notices and your fiscal lead.