WSA Head Start and ECEAP

06/07/2026

Unfortunately there were four Democratic members of Congress that voted for this cut including Perez

House Republicans, joined by four Democrats, voted Thursday to cut $141M in food and vegetable benefits in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, which help pregnant and postpartum women and children. https://trib.al/xJwiwuO

06/06/2026

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a Seahawks superstar - and a Head Start graduate!
Jaxon's mom said "even though it’s been 20 years, I’ve never forgotten about the impact they had on not just my kids, but me as a young mom.”

Though The Smith-Njigba Foundation is in its early days, its first major event marks a full-circle moment for the family.

06/04/2026

Our friends at the National Institute for Early Education Research did a great job looking at the data and making the case for better wages for Head Start staff.

https://nieer.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/the_real_cost_of_rolling_back_head_start_wage_requirements.pdf

06/04/2026

New Mexico Child Care Study Tour!!! We had the pleasure of bringing two Parent Ambassador Alumni, Anisa Marie (PA 17) and Bronti Lemke (PA 15).

06/01/2026

"A 3-year-old doesn't come in and say 'I'm having a bad day, I'm scared,'" she explains. "Kiddos are biting, kids are throwing stuff, [and] really creating a challenging environment for the classroom and for their peers. Really when a kiddo shows up in his behavior in that way, we know that they're just trying to communicate that they're having a hard time and they just don't have all of the words for it."

A survey of low-cost childcare provider Head Start shows that families are keeping their children home as ICE enforcement ramps up. Kids who come to childcare are acting out and showing signs of stress.

05/29/2026

Calling all Head Start and Early Head Start Staff! The Administration is proposing changes to Head Start Performance Standards that will impact staff wages. Please sign on to this official comment by June 10, and let them know that Head Start staff deserve a living wage! https://bit.ly/headstartsalaries

05/28/2026

Take action for Head Start!

The administration’s FY27 budget proposal maintains current funding levels for Head Start, preserving existing support for children and families nationwide. However, flat funding does not account for rising costs tied to workforce recruitment and retention, facilities, transportation, and program services.

As the appropriations process moves forward, Congress will determine the final funding level for .

Now is the time to speak up. In just two minutes, you can email your members of Congress and urge them to support increased FY27 funding for Head Start, including a meaningful cost-of-living adjustment, quality improvement resources, and expanded nutritious meal programs.

Every child deserves access to a strong start. Take action: https://hubs.la/Q04hxqvZ0

05/28/2026

We are continuing to advocate for Head Start and other early learning places to be protected from ICE actions

Half of Head Start leaders reported ICE activity near their center within the past year, and nearly 80% of staff cited its harmful impact on attendance.

05/26/2026

Congrats to ECEAP provider Voices of Tomorrow for their new center!

The new center will offer 60 free daycare slots to families who qualify, in addition to mental and behavioral health services for the community, available now.