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This blog post comes from the National Head Start Association. 

Head Start has long been the bridge between early learning and kindergarten readiness for eligible children. To ensure that bridge is strong, federal law mandates deep collaboration between Head Start programs and local school systems, shaping how communities align instruction, share data, and smooth transitions for children entering kindergarten. The current federal shutdown may be causing disruption and heartache for Head Start partnerships with school systems, including those school systems that are grant recipients. This blog aims to clear up some possible misconceptions and highlight how school systems and Head Start can work together through the shutdown to ensure children and families are prioritized and that both Head Start and school systems remain strong long after the shutdown ends. 

Unlike school districts, Head Start programs, whether they are independent programs or those managed by districts, are not forward-funded. This means that Head Start programs - depending on when their grant cycle begins - may be due for federal funding and unable to receive it during the government shutdown.  This has already led to some program closures that began October 1. Others have cobbled together non-federal funding to continue services. As the shutdown continues, many more Head Start programs will be impacted. These Head Start grant recipients are anxiously awaiting their annual funding hoping the government will re-open and they will not have to close their doors.  

As programs prepare for the loss of federal funding, superintendents should be aware of common challenges for Head Start programs during the government shutdown - and best practices for addressing them.  

• For school districts sharing building space with Head Start programs that have to close temporarily please ensure that the Head Start space remains available to those Head Start programs, so children and staff can return immediately after the shutdown ends. It may be tempting to utilize the temporary vacant space for other needs, but we highly advise against that, as it will cause significant disruption to the children and families being served and could prolong the lapse in services if programs are forced to seek alternative space. 
• During the shutdown, you may think it’s necessary to lay-off staff due to funding concerns. History has shown that once a government shutdown ends, Head Start programs have received all of their funds and were able to reimburse for all allowable services delivered during a shutdown. Keeping staff in place is vital to the stability of the program, the wellness of the children (consistency), relationships with families and the long term relationships between Head Start and the school system staff. If school districts work closely with Head Start funded programs, the results often yield the most effective services for the children who are most in need. This does require some time to build strong relationships, look at funding and how it can be maximized and leveraging partnerships in the community. 
• Space in schools can often be limited. It might be tempting to remove Head Start programs when space gets tight. Remember, if the facility was constructed in part or whole using federal Head Start funding or there was a major renovation funded by federal Head Start funds, the federal government would have a federal interest in the facility. A school system should not presume they could supplant the Head Start program for other uses without the knowledge and approval of the federal government. 
• Consider talking to your Head Start leadership about how the shutdown is impacting them. Working together is always ideal for both short term and long term benefits to children and your community. 
• It is important for school districts to remember how stringent Head Start eligibility is. Head Start programs may only serve Head Start eligible children. Primarily those are children:
• Whose families live at or below the federal poverty level
• Who are unhoused based on McKinney Vento standards
• Are in foster care
• Receive SNAP benefits
• NOTE: If school systems work with Head Start programs to blend and braid funding, it is possible for non-eligible children to be ‘in a Head Start program’s space’ and Head Start children to be ‘in school program’s space’ but funds must be allocated properly to ensure no Head Start dollars are allocated to children who are not eligible for Head Start. 

The bottom line: when Head Start programs work closely with school systems and school systems work closely with Head Start, everyone wins. 

• Eligible children and their families get the comprehensive services they need
• School systems ensure their community’s children are all prepared for the day they enter the system as a student and increase the opportunities for success among their most vulnerable children
• Head Start programs are better able to ensure children are ready for kindergarten and beyond
• The entire community benefits from cooperation and collaboration. 

If you are interested in joining NHSA and Âܲ·AVÊÓƵfor a conversation about how Head Start and school systems can better coordinate during the government shutdown or have questions about Head Start regulations, you can email NHSA at shutdownsupport@nhsa.org or Tara Thomas at Âܲ·AVÊÓƵat tthomas@aasa.org. Both NHSA and Âܲ·AVÊÓƵare here to support your work to ensure you are able to provide the highest quality programming for children.