Head Start Funding Remains Intact in Federal Budget, but Uncertainty Lingers

Despite earlier concerns, the Trump administration’s budget proposal released May 4, 2025, maintained funding for Head Start, a federal program providing early childhood education and services to low-income families, offering temporary relief to the educators and families who rely on it, KOAT reports.

Head Start serves over half a million children nationwide with preschool education, meals, health screenings and parental support, and thousands of New Mexico children benefit from its services. The program had faced potential threats after Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint, advocated for its elimination. House Education Committee Chair Tim Walberg previously criticized Head Start for alleged mismanagement, but a spokesperson said funding cuts were “not on the table.” The Senate Education Committee had yet to comment, and the final decision depended on congressional approval of the budget.

Challenges persisted despite the maintained funding. In April, the Department of Health and Human Services closed five of its 12 regional offices that support Head Start, leaving providers confused about funding and support. Jamal Berry, CEO of Educare DC, said 80% of his program’s funding comes from the federal government, that any cuts could risk closure, and that more than 100 children are on its waitlist.

Editor’s note: Updated Oct. 31, 2026. This story is now part of Daily Reports, our New Mexico news roundup, and was revised to credit KOAT’s original reporting. Learn how Daily Reports works in our editorial standards.