Head Start programs across the country are facing funding cuts proposed by the Trump Administration. The program provides services including childcare, family and social services, and health screenings.
The Head Start agency in Winnebago is the largest childcare provider within the community and has 191 children. Justine Brand, Assistant Director, told Siouxland Public Media, “If the funding stops we would have to close immediately, all of our salaries are paid through the Head Start Grant. The program wouldn’t exist”.
In Iowa over $89 million went into Iowa’s economy because of Head Start funding for the fiscal year of 2024. In a press release Lori Ferris, Executive Director of Iowa Head Start Association, said “Cutting support for Head Start would mean the loss of jobs-not just for teachers and staff, but for parents who rely on this system to maintain their own livelihoods.”
Winnebago this year had 191 applicants for 162 spots and in 2024 Iowa served about 7,500 children.
