The Senate must pass a package of spending bills by Friday night or risk a government shutdown that could interrupt funding for Head Start, child-care subsidies and related services for young children. Democrats oppose the measure because it includes DHS funding and are pressing to separate that funding after the killing of Alex Pretti. Advocates say roughly 6–10 California programs with Feb. 1 start dates are most at risk and that even short pauses can cause real harm to families and providers.
Government Shutdown Could Pause Head Start and Child-Care Services — 6–10 California Programs At Immediate Risk
The U.S. Senate faces a Friday-night deadline to pass a package of spending bills that includes funding for Head Start, child-care subsidies and other services for young children. If lawmakers fail to approve the measures, parts of early childhood programming could pause while federal funding is interrupted.
The six-bill package covers funding for child care subsidies, Head Start programs, infant and early childhood mental health services, maternal health programs and home-heating assistance.
Political Sticking Point
Senate Democrats have objected to the package because it also contains funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They seek new restrictions on immigration enforcement and want DHS funding separated from the other appropriations following the killing of Alex Pretti by federal officers.
Which Programs Could Be Affected?
Advocates warn that some Head Start centers and child-care programs could face immediate disruptions if federal payments stop. The last shutdown, which lasted 43 days, forced several Head Start centers in California to near closure and at least one to shutter temporarily. The impact depends on each program’s grant cycle and whether they have alternative funding reserves.
“There is no reason that funding for children, for babies, for meeting their very basic needs should be contingent on whether or not ICE gets funding,”
said Melissa Boteach, chief policy officer at Zero to Three. "Young children are in the most rapid stage of brain development. They have immediate needs that need to be met."
Melanee Cottrill, executive director of Head Start California, said programs with a Feb. 1 start date are particularly vulnerable; she estimated roughly 6–10 programs in that position across the state. Whether a center closes immediately will depend on its cash reserves and other funding sources.
Impact On Families And Providers
Head Start provides education, health screenings and often the most nutritious meals some children receive each day. Pauses in funding create insecurity for families who rely on consistent schedules and for providers who pay staff and maintain facilities.
“There’s already been a good deal of instability in these programs and for families who rely on them,”
said Donna Sneeringer, president of the Child Care Resource Center, which operates Head Start and subsidy programs in the Los Angeles area. “Parents feel very insecure — these temporary pauses... the family’s lives don’t pause.”
Mary Ignatius of Parent Voices added that even short lapses of support can cause lasting harm to providers, families and children who cannot absorb interruptions in care.
What Comes Next
The Senate must act before the deadline to avoid a funding lapse. If lawmakers cannot reach agreement, programs and families should monitor announcements from state child-care agencies and local Head Start grantees for contingency plans, emergency phone numbers and guidance on enrollment and services.
This article was originally published by LAist.
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