FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Secretary of State has officially chaptered Assembly Joint Resolution 12 (AJR-12), honoring the 60th anniversary of Head Start and its legacy of services. The resolution affirms the Head Start’s foundational role in California’s early learning and family support systems and calls on Congress and the President of the United States to protect and increase funding for Head Start.

Authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley) coauthored by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (R-Redding), both proud Head Start alumni, and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, chair of the Legislative Women’s Cacus, AJR-12 reflects the bipartisan rally of support behind this vital program for California’s children and families.

“As a child, Head Start gave me access to healthy meals, early learning, and a supportive environment that helped to launch me into successful adulthood,” said Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley). “I’m proud that this resolution reaffirms the California Legislatures’ commitment to ensuring every child has the same opportunity to thrive.”

“My family depended on Head Start when I was growing up,” added Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (R-Redding). “Today, as a parent and legislator, I know how essential these programs remain for working families in California. Chaptering this resolution sends a clear message: Head Start matters, and we must protect it.”

Head Start provides early education, nutrition, health care, and family engagement to more than 85,000 low-income children and families, enabling parents to pursue education or employment with the peace of mind that their children are safe, supported, and learning.

“For 60 years, Head Start has provided effective early learning and care and wrap around supports for children and families who might otherwise be left behind,” said Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director of Head Start California. “This resolution is more than a celebration of our history, it is a commitment to our future. By investing in children and supporting families, Head Start serves as a launch pad of opportunity. We appreciate the California legislature for underscoring the vital importance of providing a critical head start to children and vital supports that help families thrive.”

AJR-12 comes at a critical moment. The closure of many federal Head Start region offices has delayed grant renewals and lack of communication from limited staff in   remaining offices has led to operational challenges at Head Start sites and dissemination of pink slips for many early childhood workers. In response, Assemblymembers Ahrens and Hadwick have coordinated their leadership to demonstrate strong bipartisan support for maintaining Head Start programs and services.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Melanee Cottrill, Head Start California Executive Director, melanee@headstartca.org

Eddie Kirby, Communications Director, Asm. Patrick Ahrens, Eddie.Kirby@asm.ca.gov

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