Head Start Day of Action: Looking Back and Moving Forward

On October 29, the Champlain Valley Head Start joined programs across the nation for a crucial Day of Action, uniting to send a clear message to Congress: End the shutdown and protect Head Start!

Right here in our community, the continued shutdown puts the services provided by CVOEO's Champlain Valley Head Start at risk.

The loss of federal funding for a program like ours would have a devastating impact:

• Students and Families Affected: Over 65,000+ children nationally face losing access. Here at CVHS, 233 students and their families risk losing vital care, education, and nutrition.
• Classrooms at Risk: Over 130+ Head Start programs across 41 states face imminent closure. Locally, 10 classrooms at CVHS risk closure. In addition, Head Start home visiting services throughout the Champlain Valley would be paused.
• Staff Members Impacted: Thousands of Head Start staff nationwide face layoffs. 60 dedicated CVHS staff members and 19 on-call classroom substitutes risk being furloughed from their jobs.

The consequences of inaction are real: vulnerable children lose a stable educational environment and essential meals, and parents lose the childcare they need to maintain employment. The stability provided by Head Start is priceless, and it is exactly what is now at risk.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who raised their voice on the Day of Action. The fight is not over. We must continue to demand that Congress acts now to end the shutdown and secure the future of Head Start.

What and who are at risk:

Impact on Children and Families
• Nutrition: Head Start provides breakfast, lunch, and snack daily—meals that would be lost to participating children.
• Developmental Support: 27% of enrolled children have diagnosed disabilities or developmental concerns.
• Diversity and Inclusion: 52% of participants identify as members of BIPOC communities; 43% speak a primary language other than English; 26% require interpreter assistance.

Head Start Families (ages 3–5):
• 42% are single-parent households
• 62% receive SNAP benefits
• 6 children are currently experiencing homelessness
• 52% have at least one parent/caregiver who is employed, in training, or in school

Early Head Start Families (prenatal–age 3):
• 37% are single-parent households
• 67% receive SNAP benefits
• 9 children are experiencing homelessness
• 55% have at least one parent/caregiver who is employed, in training, or in school

Impact on Staffing and Community Partnerships
• 40 service-learning students will lose their placements
• 6 UVM medical student scholars will lose scholarship hours
• 1 dietician, 2 tooth tutors, and 2 coaches will lose consultation opportunities with CVOEO Head Start