For Immediate Release: Head Start California Responds to Federal House Committee Markup that Would Lead to Reduced Services for Head Start Children and Families

Sacramento, CA – Head Start California today called on members of Congress to address the lack of a cost-of-living increase (COLA) for Head Start in a bill recently approved by the  U.S. House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Committee.

Without a COLA for Head Start included in the federal Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, Head Start programs will not have adequate funding to address the needs of the children and families that the federal program is designed to serve.

Since costs for services, materials, and food have increased due to rising inflation, the flat funding proposed by the House for Head Start would result in cuts for Head Start programs.

“Head Start provides a launchpad of opportunity for youth that ultimately benefits our nation, yet our capacity to help children and families will be diminished without a COLA in the final version of the federal bill,” said Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California.

Head Start’s parent-choice programs are a vital part of California’s early learning, nutrition,  and care system that support working parents and children’s healthy growth and development. Head Start provides healthy meals, early learning programs, and access for families to reliable child care, allowing parents to work or pursue job training. Without a COLA to maintain funding for the true costs of programs, fewer children will be served and services that Head Start families rely on, such as nutritious meals and developmental screenings will be curtailed or eliminated.

“If not addressed by Congress, flat funding for Head Start would lead to real-world program cuts as sites across the state face increased costs for everything, from staffing to food, materials, and supplies,” Cottrill continued. “Without a COLA to maintain essential Head Start services, Head Start classrooms may be forced to close or to turn eligible children away because they cannot keep up with the cost of quality services that Head Start delivers.

“Head Start California will continue to work with all members Congress through the completion of the funding process. We urge members of California’s Congressional delegation to be steadfast champions for our children, and ask all federal representatives to commit the resources needed to maintain the essential Head Start services for eligible children and families. This investment will ultimately strengthen our communities and our nation.”

For more information, contact: Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California melanee@headstartca.org  

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