Head Start serves as a vital safety net for Oregon’s lowest-income families and most vulnerable children. The program supports thousands of children statewide by promoting school readiness through cognitive, social, and emotional development, while also providing medical and dental screenings, nutritious meals, and parent education that strengthen families well beyond the classroom.

As budget discussions move forward in the legislature, this is a key moment to underscore why Head Start matters and ensure these services can continue reaching children and families across Oregon.

Programs are already navigating federal funding delays and rising operating costs, making it increasingly difficult to maintain service levels and keep classrooms open. Reductions to state funding would add further strain to programs working to meet community needs.

The Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) is working with the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) on long-term solutions. In the meantime, stable state funding remains essential to sustaining Head Start services.

Here’s how you can help:

Please contact your legislator and ask them to support continued Head Start funding so programs across Oregon can keep classrooms open and continue serving the children and families who rely on them. Click here to contact your legislator today.