Although we’re just over half-way into 2025, it feels like a lifetime’s amount of curveballs have been thrown at our Head Start community this year. And I have one word to describe that community in Idaho—RELENTLESS!
I had the pleasure of speaking at WICAP Head Start’s annual awards dinner celebrating both WICAP and Head Start’s 60th birthday in May and I asked attendees, “what keeps you coming back every day given all the challenges this year has brought you so far?” Kellie MacClellan, IHSA Board member and WICAP Head Start Wellness Mentor/Supervisor, put it perfectly… “I just don’t quit.” The staff spoke about the families they serve being the driving force behind their ability to show up in their Head Start or WICAP roles day in and day out. They said, “no one will be there for them if we aren’t.”
What curveballs do I speak of? Like so many important programs, Head Start has had its fair share of media coverage due to rapid changes coming out of the new administration. In January, while one of our board members and I were in DC visiting with members of Congress, a federal grant freeze went into effect. Head Start is a federally grant-funded program, meaning the community nationwide was scrambling to figure out how to make payroll and keep their centers open to families. I skipped a portion of the NHSA conference I was attending to take calls from reporters across the state and country asking what an America without Head Start would look like. Luckily, America showed up for Head Start voicing strong disapproval of the freeze. Head Start dollars were made available again, but not without technical issues that caused further strain to many programs across the country including WICAP Head Start in Idaho.
When WICAP realized their funds were held up—and with payroll around the corner—IHSA coordinated a speedy, grassroots movement in collaboration with WICAP Head Start’s leadership, staff, and families. Letters were sent to our members of Congress; State Senator Shippy attempted a request for help from the Governor’s Office; the media sprang into action to cover the story; and even folks in other states shared our social media post helping it reach over 300 shares. Ultimately, WICAP had to use reserves to make payroll, but the grant dollars finally arrived.
Viral social media post
In April, five regional Head Start Offices, including our region 10 (Idaho, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington) were abruptly closed down as part of the administration’s DOGE efforts. Programs were once again—and still are—experiencing funding delays and delays in communications and instructions from the newly-configured regional office structure. As recently as July, some programs in Idaho have had to look into taking out loans to make payroll or using what little reserves they may have due to lack of capacity within the reduced regional office structure.
Additional changes to Head Start have come out as the year has progressed, challenging its inaugural promise to the nation: that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to reach their full potential.
FOCAF Head Start learner pouring milk
Despite the gut-wrenching news the Head Start community began many of their work days with this year, they have been relentless in their efforts to continue serving Idaho’s Head Start families and relentless in their belief in Head Start’s original promise to America. IHSA and its Head Start member programs are proud that we have remained collaborative and optimistic in our approach to adapting to change.
President Lyndon B. Johnson greeting some of the nation’s first Head Start learners
And now, IHSA is excited to announce that it’s YOUR turn to be a relentless force for Head Start families in Idaho! We are launching our President Lyndon B. Johnson Society with a goal of securing 30 members for IHSA’s 30th birthday this year. This is our monthly giving program and you can sign on for any amount you’d like to contribute to propel IHSA’s mission forward another 30 years! Learn more about Head Start and President Johnson’s history here.
Thank you for being an advocate for Head Start in Idaho!