The Footprints Head Start Leaves Behind

Lately I’ve been thinking about what would happen if programs like Head Start disappeared. Not in a dramatic way—just realistically. What would families do? Who would be there to fill in all those gaps? Because once you look closely, it becomes pretty clear: Head Start holds a lot more than people realize.

The Children’s Equity Project, a research partnership based out of Arizona State University, recently released a document titled “Head Start’s Footprint: A Focus on Rural Communities, Children with Disabilities, and Vital Health Services.” This comprehensive document is a must-read for Head Start professionals and policy makers who want a comprehensive look into the many different ways that Head Start programs support their communities.

Here are some of the highlights:

A Starting Place for So Many Families

In 2023, over 3.5 million kids under age six lived below the poverty line. That’s a lot of families doing their best in really tough conditions. Head Start reached more than 1 in 5 of those kids nationwide. In some smaller or rural counties, it reached up to 90% of local children in poverty. That’s not just helpful—that’s essential. And for many families, it’s the only early learning or child care option available.

Inclusion That Actually Includes

One thing that’s built into Head Start from the beginning is intentional inclusion for children with disabilities. Every program sets aside at least 10% of enrollment for children with disabilities, offering full participation and early screening. Parents aren’t left out either. Families are supported through learning their rights, understanding diagnoses, and making a plan together. This is what real access looks like—not just checking a box.

Food, Security, and Learning

So many families are feeling the strain of rising food costs and limited access to healthy options. Head Start helps fill that gap by serving nutritious, balanced meals—and making sure no child goes hungry while trying to learn and grow. Families also get connected to programs like WIC (Women, Infants, & Children nutrition program) and SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), and receive education around budgeting, meal prep, and nutrition for all ages.

Whole-Child Health (and Family Health Too)

Health care isn’t always easy to get to, especially in rural areas, or for families navigating complex systems.

Head Start helps simplify it:

• Developmental screenings
• Vision, hearing, and dental care
• Mental health services
• Help with Medicaid enrollment and referrals

In 2023, nearly 49,000 children were evaluated for IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) eligibility through Head Start—many of whom might’ve otherwise been missed.

It’s a Family Program

This part often gets overlooked: Head Start supports the whole family. Parents are part of the decision-making through committees and councils. Families are connected to job training, GED programs, housing support, and mental health resources.

It’s a two-generation model, because helping kids also means helping the people raising them.

What Happens If Head Start Goes Away?

The truth is—nothing else steps in to do what Head Start does.

With the world we live in, not all families have a village, or flexible jobs, or backup options. Head Start helps bridge those gaps with dignity and care. Without it, we don’t just lose a program—we lose safety nets, meals, services, advocacy, and opportunities for whole communities.

And let’s be completely honest here, without the affordable, quality, and reliable childcare that Head Start provides, parents WILL 👏 NOT 👏 BE 👏 ABLE 👏 TO 👏 WORK.  And isn’t that what all these politicians keep going on about?

Head Start leaves footprints in how families feel seen and supported, while truly giving them a ‘head start’ everyone deserves. Keep sharing your story helps show just how much this program matters—and why it’s worth protecting.