We Need Your Help to Secure the Future of Head Start

Every child deserves a strong start, and every parent deserves to be heard. But right now, Head Start programs across California face the challenge of flat funding for the third year in a row — even as costs continue to rise. Without increased investment, programs struggle to meet growing needs and provide the high-quality support families rely on.

Your donation helps Head Start California advocate for the resources our programs need to thrive. Together, we can ensure families have the support they need — now and for generations to come.

Join our Power of 2 Campaign, where your small contribution can make a big impact. For every $2 donated:

$1 goes to Head Start California, supporting our state and federal advocacy efforts.
$1 goes to the National Head Start Association (NHSA)'s Dollar per Child campaign, strengthening national advocacy for Head Start programs.

These contributions help us:

Advocate for policies that benefit families from low-income backgrounds.
Educate lawmakers and the public on the successes of Head Start.
Build coalitions that champion the needs of children from low-income backgrounds.

Who we are

Head Start California

Founded in 1995, Head Start California is the premier advocacy organization for Head Start agencies throughout California. Head Start California advocates for its members at the federal and state levels, ensuring that members speak with a unified voice about the challenges facing California’s children and families from low-income backgrounds and the Head Start community that serves them. We serve as a vital resource and advocate for nearly 140 Head Start programs in the state, ensuring they have the support, training, and advocacy needed to deliver high-quality services to children and their families. Learn about Head Start California’s vision, mission and values here.

Head Start California (HSC) champions the needs of children and families in California through advocacy, professional development, and support for Head Start programs. Our current initiatives include training and workshops for Head Start professionals, focusing on areas such as early childhood education, health, and family engagement.

We host key events such as the Annual Conference, Managers and Directors Institute, and the Health Institute, providing platforms for knowledge sharing and professional growth.

HSC also engages in policy advocacy to secure funding and support for Head Start programs, ensuring that children and families from low-income backgrounds receive comprehensive early childhood education and services. Through partnerships and community engagement, we strive to improve outcomes for children and families across the state.

National Head Start Association

The National Head Start Association’s (NHSA) vision is to lead – to be the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every eligible child is served with the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family and the community – and to advocate – to work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensures all children have a chance to succeed in school and in life. Learn more about NHSA here.

Power of 2

$2 per Child

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