Updated November 15, 2025
The federal government has reopened following the longest shutdown in U.S. history. While operations have resumed, many Head Start grantees with October 1 and November 1 funding cycles are still waiting for clear information about when their grant awards will be released. Programs and associations are now focused on urging HHS to expedite grants and provide written timelines.
OHS has indicated that it will provide programs with a timeline for when grant funds will be available. Programs that are approaching closure or are unable to reopen without more information are encouraged to document these risks and impacts in HSES.
State and regional associations, along with local programs, continue to encourage HHS to expedite grant awards. Regional offices are operating with reduced staffing capacity due to earlier RIF activity, and staff are managing a high volume of work. At the same time, programs need predictable timelines to manage staffing, services, and fiscal responsibilities.
A joint letter from several state associations requests that HHS waive the standard congressional hold and provide written guidance to grantees outlining expected grant award timing.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an interim final rule ending the automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). The rule is effective immediately, and public comments are being accepted through December 1, 2025.
This change may affect some early care and education staff, as approximately one in five early childhood educators in the United States is an immigrant. Programs employing staff who rely on EAD extensions may need to review updated requirements and timelines.
More information:
The Administration announced that current SNAP participants will need to reapply in order to continue receiving benefits. No implementation timeline has been released yet.
More information: Politico — SNAP Reapplication Requirement
Although the shutdown has ended, the current Continuing Resolution (CR) only funds the federal government through January 30. Congress must pass either a full-year appropriations package or another temporary CR to prevent another funding lapse.
Head Start funding is included in the Labor–Health and Human Services–Education (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill:
Head Start programs nationwide continue to experience increased costs, including health insurance, utilities, and food. Last year’s funding did not include a COLA. A second year of flat funding would make it more difficult for programs to raise wages and address workforce stability.
IHSA shares with sadness the passing of Kay Willmoth, former Administrator of the Region V Office of Head Start. She was known for her long service in federal public service and her commitment to strong, well-administered Head Start programs across Region V.
Her leadership, attention to program quality, and support for children and families continue to influence Head Start work throughout the region.
A recent report from an Illinois grantee indicates that a non-competing continuation application was returned with instructions to remove a list of specific words related to equity, identity, and inclusion. The message also directed the grantee to contact their Program Specialist for further clarification.
The grantee noted that the requested changes did not appear in prior written guidance and, in some areas, seemed to conflict with application instructions. Situations like this raise questions about how programs can accurately describe required services—such as supports for children with disabilities—while complying with new language limitations.
Programs encountering similar situations may wish to:
This update provides a neutral summary of publicly available federal information as it relates to Head Start and Early Head Start operations. IHSA does not take political positions on legislation or elected officials. Information is shared to support programs, staff, and families.