Advocating for the Future of Head Start in Tennessee

Washington For sixty years, Head Start has been a cornerstone of support for families across the United States—especially in Tennessee. Providing early childhood education, health services, and family support, the program has served as a crucial foundation for millions of children.

But now, as Head Start marks its 60th anniversary, its future hangs in the balance.

Funding uncertainty at the federal level has raised alarms among educators, advocates, and families who rely on the program. Katie Growden, Tennessee State Manager for Save the Children Action Network, emphasized the urgency: “Budget processes are still in the works. The federal budget theoretically won’t be finalized until the end of September, and there’s a lot of time and a lot of moving pieces that need to be resolved. We just want to make sure that Head Start funding stays.”

Supporters across Tennessee are rallying to ensure that lawmakers understand the program’s importance. Growden added, “A part of our celebration is activating people to send messages to their members of Congress—just encouraging them to continue funding Head Start and keep this program alive and thriving for another 60 or more years.”

As communities reflect on Head Start’s powerful legacy, advocates hope that action taken now will ensure that generations to come can benefit from the same opportunity and support.