Join us in the Movement to Advocate for Head Start

Izzi’s Response to the Head Start NPRM

Updated 9/8/2026

Head Start works because education, health, mental health, disability services, family engagement, and family support are connected. At Izzi Early Education, we have seen the difference this whole-family approach makes. We respectfully urge ACF to reconsider these proposed changes and protect strong staffing ratios, bilingual learning, access for families facing barriers, support for children with disabilities and behavioral health needs, safe facilities, and meaningful family leadership.

Head Start can reduce unnecessary paperwork without reducing the quality and support that children and families depend on.

Head Start and Izzi in the News

Izzi community showing up to advocate!

Head Start as a whole is essential. It supports pregnant women, single parents, foster families, caregivers, and children with diverse needs. It offers early intervention, health and mental health support, family engagement, education, job pathways, and most importantly, hope. Head Start changes lives—it changed mine.

- Mayra R. (Current parent and Izzi Staff)

Head Start is the best start! Supporting Head Start means supporting a community, supporting families, supporting children. Thank you for your advocacy to Head Start in many ways!!! Blessings!!

- Lucia A. (Current Izzi Staff)

“Mi preocupación son los niños que serán afectados en el comienzo de su vida y su futuro sobre todo los que tienen necesidad especial please reconsidere y tenga compasión de esas familias que dependen de Head Start y nosotros que será el comienzo de un mejor futuro para ello.”

- Maria G. (Current Izzi Staff)

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Share how Head Start has impacted your life!

For Izzi families, staff, former IHSD students and parents. We want to hear how we have helped shape your life.

Consider sharing in English or Spanish:

A specific moment when you saw Izzi make a real difference in a child's life
A time you witnessed a child make remarkable progress – socially, emotionally, or academically – thanks to Izzi?
How Izzi creates a sense of community for families and staff?
What motivates you to show up each day?

Hear from Other Voices here!

From Our Families and Staff: Message to Congress

We are calling on our communities and leaders to protect Head Start and Early Head Start—lifeline programs that serve more than 750,000 of the nation’s most vulnerable children. These federally funded programs provide much more than early education: they offer critical access to meals, health and dental screenings, mental health support, and developmental services for children living in poverty, in foster care, or experiencing homelessness.

Head Start helps prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. It also gives families the support they need to thrive—including many who would otherwise have no access to child care at all, particularly in rural or under-resourced communities.

Eliminating or weakening Head Start isn’t just cutting a program—it’s cutting off opportunity, stability, and care from children who need it most. It’s forcing parents and caregivers out of the workforce. It’s turning our backs on equity.

We reject any attempt to dismantle these essential services. We urge you to join us in protecting Head Start—for our children, our families, and our future.

I know IHSD/Izzi will keep growing and serving more families and make more impact. The agency has innovated so much through the years.

- Claudia Montepeque, “Honoring 40 Years of Dedication to the Community”

I would encourage others to advocate for Head Start in any way they can, whether it’s calling state representatives, sharing personal stories about the impact of Head Start, or joining a rally when their schedule allows.

- Silvia Espinoza, “Head Start Heads to the State Capitol”