On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, we were saddened to learn that several of the Regional Offices that support Head Start programs were abruptly closed and their staff placed on paid leave until their termination in 60 days. The closed offices included the Region 9 Office in San Francisco, which served programs in California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawai’i, and several U.S. territories. Other closures included offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Seattle.

First and foremost, our hearts go out to the dedicated civil servants we had the pleasure of working with in the Region 9 Office, who, even in their last working minutes, just wanted to get one more thing done for the programs they served. They have gone above and beyond in their heartfelt service to our children and families and will be truly missed. We wish them all well and hope our paths cross again.

Head Start programs are a cornerstone of the communities we serve, providing children with a strong foundation in education, health, socialization, behavioral support, and nutrition. Just as importantly, they empower parents—giving them the tools, resources, and opportunities to further their education, advance in their careers, and achieve the American Dream for themselves and their families.

We are deeply troubled by the potential impacts of these sudden closures on children and families. The now-shuttered Regional Offices provided critical support to local programs, including timely grant processing, social service supports, technical guidance, and assistance to ensure compliance and high-quality programming and services. Head Start programs have not received direction on new points of contact moving forward, nor have new systems been put in place to handle an increased workload for remaining Regional Offices.

It is imperative that Head Start programs receive timely support to continue meeting the needs of America’s children and families. We echo the calls from our colleagues throughout the nation for a recission of the closures, creation and publication of a thorough plan for the future before any further changes are enacted, and clear and consistent communication with Head Start programs.

Head Start is the foundation on which over 40 million American dreams have been built, breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors to opportunity. These abrupt closures threaten that progress, but we will not stand by in silence. We call on leaders to prioritize the well-being of our youngest learners, protect the future of Head Start, and uphold the promise that every child—regardless of their circumstances—deserves a strong start in life. Now is the time to invest in Head Start.