Center for American Progress

Video: Hanging in the Balance: A Head Start for Low-Income Kids
Article

Video: Hanging in the Balance: A Head Start for Low-Income Kids

What’s at stake if Congress fails to act to avert automatic cuts to human-needs programs such as Head Start.

 (kids playing in classroom)
(kids playing in classroom)

Head Start is a program of the Department of Health and Human Services that provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. With sequestration pending, funding for Head Start hangs in the balance.

This video spotlights what’s at stake if Congress fails to act to avert the automatic cuts to the area of the budget that funds many human needs programs, including Head Start. As many as 80,000 children could lose access to Head Start’s comprehensive services and more than 30,000 teachers, administrators, and support staff could lose their jobs. At a time when one in four children under age 5 are living in poverty, we need a strong Head Start program now more than ever.

Music credits:

“Faster Than the Eye Can Perceive” by DJ Rkod
“Maybe (ft. AlexBeroza)” by DoKashiteru
“Whatchu Waiting For (To Say Hello) (ft. CASchubert)” by Ivan Chew

Special thanks to:

The Edward C. Mazique Parent Child Center
The Coalition on Human Needs
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
RESULTS
Half in Ten
Almeta Richards Keys
Shavon Collier
Tezrah Thomas
Kamala Mayo

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Authors

Lauren Santa Cruz

Senior Director of Digital Creative, Digital Advocacy

Katie Wright

Policy Analyst

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