The proposed elimination of Head Start under Project 2025 has sparked a lot of debate because of its potential effects on early childhood education and support systems, especially in rural communities. This change could significantly alter child care and early education in the U.S., affecting economic growth and family welfare.
Numerous studies show that early childhood education is crucial for later development. Kids who attend quality early education programs tend to do better in school and achieve more success later in life. The benefits go beyond academics, positively influencing social skills, behavior, and overall life outcomes.
The Role of Head Start
Head Start has been a vital program for early childhood education, serving nearly 40 million children since it began. In 2023 alone, Head Start supported over 833,000 children and pregnant individuals living in poverty across the U.S. The program provides comprehensive services to promote healthy child development and help parents find jobs and educational opportunities.
Reduction in Child Care Slots and Increased Costs
If Head Start is eliminated, there would be fewer child care slots available, and the cost of child care would go up, especially for families in poverty and rural areas where Head Start is a major provider.
A 2018 analysis by the Center for American Progress showed how important Head Start is in rural areas. In ten surveyed states, rural Head Start programs made up 22 percent of the overall child care supply. Without Head Start, areas with little to no access to affordable child care—called child care deserts—would likely increase, disproportionately affecting rural communities.
Effect on Pre-K Programs
Eliminating Head Start could disrupt state efforts to provide universal pre-K. States like West Virginia, which have integrated Head Start into their pre-K programs, would struggle to keep these services running without additional funding.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Head Start serves a diverse group, including Latino communities, Tribal communities, agricultural workers, children in foster care, and those experiencing homelessness. The program also reserves 10 percent of its spots for children with disabilities. Eliminating Head Start would disproportionately impact these vulnerable groups.
Economic Impact
The lack of affordable child care options can have wide-reaching economic consequences. According to Child Care Aware of America, the national average price for child care in 2023 was $11,582, a cost that many low-income families can't afford. This financial burden could prevent parents from working or force them into unreliable child care arrangements, affecting their ability to contribute to the workforce and achieve economic stability.
Access to affordable child care is crucial for the broader economy. With 68 percent of children under age six having all available parents in the workforce, child care availability directly affects workforce participation and economic productivity. The current lack of affordable child care costs the U.S. economy $122 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue—a number that could rise with the elimination of Head Start.
Proposals to eliminate or cut funding for federal early care and learning programs are harmful to the economy and unpopular with the American public. A poll from the First Five Years Fund found that 86 percent of voters support improving child care and early learning programs, and 78 percent of business owners believe it would stabilize their businesses. Overall, eliminating Head Start under Project 2025 would likely increase child care costs, reduce availability, and have broader economic impacts—especially in rural and vulnerable communities.