Proposal Would Deprive 50,000 Low-Income Children In New York State Of Critical Early Childhood Education
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Ferry Academy Head Start Program to condemn President Trump’s plan to eliminate Head Start. President Trump budget’s request for FY26 reportedly aims to eliminate all funding for Head Start. Federal funding allows 20 Head Start centers in Buffalo and Niagara Counties that serve over 1,200 children to operate. Without this funding, Head Start centers across New York and around the country will be forced to close their doors, which will deprive low-income children of critical early childhood education that gives them the tools to succeed both in and out of the classroom. President Trump has also attempted to diminish Head Start through a number of executive actions that are making it harder for Head Start centers to stay up and running, including closing regional offices that help administer the program, laying off staff, and withholding already authorized funding.
Head Start programs provide low-income children from birth to age five with comprehensive child development programs, as well as support and services for families. The services Head Start and Early Head Start offer include early education, health screenings, promoting social and emotional health, nutrition, connection to other social services, and services for children with disabilities. Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve over 50,000 children in New York State.
“Head Start helps make sure that every child has a chance to thrive,“ said Senator Gillibrand. “It is an investment in our kids and our future that has been proven time and time again to be highly effective at preparing children for school and improving both their social and physical health outcomes. President Trump’s proposal to eliminate funding for Head Start would hurt the kids and families most in need – including the 50,000 Head Start attendees in New York alone. I will do everything in my power to fight this effort and preserve funding for this vital program through the next fiscal year and beyond.”
“Children who can take advantage of Head Start programs show better health, educational, and social outcomes,” said Rep. Tim Kennedy. “As an occupational therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how early developmental support transforms lives. These programs are good for families while also strengthening our communities and the economy. Head Start works, and Donald Trump’s attacks on this proven program are inexcusable. Tens of thousands of children in New York State have a chance at a better future because of Head Start, and I will never stop fighting for this vital program.”
“It is becoming far too common, since the new administration has taken over the White House, where I have stated, ‘this is bad policy.’ Cutting funding for or disrupting Head Start programs across the country is another example of bad policy,” said Crystal Peoples-Stokes, New York State Assembly Majority Leader. “We have already seen what a funding freeze has done to Head Start programs in the Southern Tier. Cutting funding or eliminating Head Start programs puts an undue burden on families as well as eliminates early childhood education jobs. This is an unacceptable policy and I applaud and stand with Senator Gillibrand and Head Start organizations fighting to keep these programs alive.”
“Head Start is not just a program — it’s a critical lifeline for thousands of children and working families in Buffalo,” said Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. “Cutting this funding would have devastating consequences for our most vulnerable residents and undermine decades of progress in early childhood education. I’m proud to stand with Senator Gillibrand in fighting to protect Head Start and ensure every child in Buffalo has the chance to grow, learn, and succeed.”
“Head Start provides the supports and programs that young children need to succeed in school and ultimately in life, helping them grow into productive members of our community. Cutting funding to this critical program is the latest assault on children and families from a regime in Washington that is working every day to make Americans weaker, sicker, less smart and less safe,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Just as our democracy is laboring under this anti-democratic regime, children and the most vulnerable among us are being stripped of the resources they need to succeed in life all so that billionaires can get a tax cut. It’s a disgusting travesty and I urge all Americans to speak out against these cruel, vindictive and unnecessary cuts.”
“It’s outrageous that this administration wants to take resources away from children, low-income families, and people with disabilities – the most vulnerable individuals in society – in order to pad their billionaire friends’ pockets with massive tax cuts,” said Common Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart. “For over 60 years, the Head Start program has helped millions of disadvantaged children and parents, including those facing poverty and homelessness. In our community alone, thousands depend on Head Start programs for childcare, health services, and early education – programs which make all the difference between local families struggling and thriving. I thank Senator Gillibrand for standing up for Head Start and fighting back against these reckless attacks on children and vulnerable families.”
“Head Start matters because early childhood education matters,” said Dr. Marie Cannon, Executive Director of the Community Action Organization. “Community Action Organization’s Head Start is built on two main pillars: school readiness and parent engagement in a wholistic service delivery model. Children are engaged in early learning opportunities to ensure school readiness and future success. Parents are partners in their child’s education and are engaged in activities that improve their economic and social mobility. Parents set goals that include advancing their own educational attainment and employment attainment and advancement. The investment in Head Start is worth every dime.”
“At the Community Action Organization of WNY, we witness every day the challenges that families across Erie and Niagara County face. From access to quality early childhood education to critical services in health, nutrition, mental health, disability support, and family engagement, the barriers are real, and the need is urgent,” said Dr. Chelsea White, Chief Early Childhood Officer for the Community Action Organization. “For us, Head Start is more than just a program; it’s a vital lifeline that empowers children and families, helping to close the opportunity gap and lay the foundation for lifelong success. As the demand for Head Start grows in our community, we remain steadfast in our commitment to meeting that need with compassion, excellence, and opportunity.”
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