*UPDATE: Since publishing this article on Tuesday, January 28, the White House Office of Management and Budget has since rescinded the order to pause federal funding.
SAN DIEGO — Earlier today, Episcopal Community Services (ECS) received confirmation that Head Start will not be impacted by the Trump Administration’s potential freeze on various federal funds.
Head Start programs rely on federal grants to operate. January 2025.
On Monday, the president ordered all federal agencies to pause their issuance of grants and loans in order for his administration to conduct a review and ensure that all programs and funds coincide with President Trump’s agenda.
This afternoon, Trump’s initiative to pause federal funding was temporarily blocked by a federal judge. It is currently unclear if or when the pause will go into effect.
Prior to the temporary block, there was concern about what government programs would be affected — including Head Start. This afternoon, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) contacted ECS with clarification from the Office of Management and Budget that Head Start’s funding will not be paused, and service will continue as normal. Programs that provide direct benefits to Americans — such as Head Start, Medicaid, SNAP, and rental assistance — will not be paused.
As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts, ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS Director of Early Education & Family Services Rosa Cabrera, and members of the ECS Head Start team are currently in Washington, D.C., attending the National Head Start Association’s Winter Leadership Institute and meeting with members of Congress to ensure they understand the critical role Head Start plays for our nation’s most vulnerable children and families.
Head Start has supported low-income families since 1965 and — in just 2023 — the organization served 778,000 children nationwide. According to the NHSA, every $1 invested in Head Start generates up to $9 in long-term societal benefits, including improved educational outcomes, reduced dependence on public assistance, and enhanced family stability.
The impact of Head Start can be seen in the San Diego region here at ECS Head Start. Each year, ECS Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve over 5,000 children and families across 17 locations, focusing on families living at or below the federal poverty line. These programs go beyond early childhood education, offering comprehensive wraparound services such as parenting education, behavioral health referrals, and specialized support for children with disabilities.
Our programs are dedicated to our students and families so that they may find success, which in turn strengthens our community as a whole. Head Start is an effective and necessary investment in community growth and transformation.
ECS will continue to closely monitor the federal funding situation. This is a complex and evolving issue with multiple levels of decision-making. Now is the time to take action. Contact your congressional representatives to share why Head Start is essential for children, families, and communities.
Take Action: Advocate for Head Start
One of the most effective ways to support Head Start is by reaching out to your members of Congress. A simple email can help ensure continued funding for programs that provide life-changing support to families.
✅ Find your representative: Members of Congress
✅ Send a short email expressing your support for Head Start.
✅ Be clear and concise—focus on one issue per email.
✅ Share your personal connection to Head Start and why it matters to you.
✅ Include your name, address, and ZIP code to show you are a constituent.
Your voice matters. Contact your representatives today and help secure the future of Head Start. To learn more about ECS Head Start, visit ecsheadstart.org.
ECS and MAAC in Washington, D.C., for NHSA’s Winter Leadership Institute, advocating for early learning, engaging in professional development, and meeting with lawmakers—including visits to the offices of Representatives Darrell E. Issa and Juan Vargas. January 2025.