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 PEACE, Inc. Merrick Head Start in Syracuse to condemn President Trump’s actions to dismantle Head Start. Federal funding allows PEACE Inc. to operate Head Start centers across Onondaga County that serve over 900 children. 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 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 actions to dismantle 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.”
“Our Head Start program in Syracuse is an essential resource for families with young children. It provides a nurturing environment focused on learning, fun, and overall development. Many parents rely on it as a safe space for their children while they work. Unfortunately, the Trump administration plans to cut funding for this program in Syracuse and nationwide. These cuts will have a devastating impact on the families who depend on it. We must fight to keep Head Start in Syracuse, and I commend Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for leading the effort to ensure it remains here,” said Senator Rachel May.
“With 7 of its own sites and an additional 14 partnering sites in Onondaga County, PEACE, Inc.’s Head Start program successfully assists 918 low-income families and their children under 5 to access holistic early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family development interventions,” said Peace, Inc. Executive Director Carolyn Brown. “Especially critical are the more than 700 families who are assisted in Syracuse, where early childhood education/childcare options are limited and nearly 1 out of 2 children live in poverty. PEACE, Inc. Head Start levels the playing field for low-income families and their children. In 2024, 81% of our Head Start children entered Kindergarten having reached their math development milestones; 90% of them reached their literacy development milestones. Eliminating Head Start would prove disastrous for our working families and their children. We are grateful for Senator Gillibrand’s passionate support of Head Start, its staff, and its families.”
“As a mother to a young child in this program, I am so grateful for the resources Head Start provides,” said Mitayah Donerlson, President of the Head Start Parent Policy Council. “Beyond early education, this program has connected me with critical social and mental health support—like access to parenting workshops, family advocates, and behavioral support for children . These services have helped me manage stress, strengthen my relationship with my child, and build a supportive community with other parents. Without Head Start, I wouldn’t have the tools or support network I need to care for both myself and my family. Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for fighting for this vital funding.”
“Eliminating childcare funding doesn’t just close classrooms, it closes doors to opportunity, weakens our workforce, and stalls our economy’s future,” said Anne Napper, Executive Director of Childcare Solutions CNY. “Eliminating Head Start funding is not merely a budgetary decision. It is an economic misstep with profound consequences.”
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