Evidence for Expanded Access to Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start have been proven effective for supporting young children’s development, and their parents, for many years. But did you know that Head Start and Early Head Start can reduce child maltreatment and child welfare system involvement?
And while children in foster care have automatic eligibility for Head Start, more children and their parents could benefit from Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EH) if eligibility were expanded and simplified. How many families don’t engage in these programs simply because enrollment processes are confusing, duplicative, or stigmatizing?
Brightpoint, a statewide child and family serving agency in Illinois, provides the evidence and advocates for expanded access to HS/EHS, increased federal funding, and simplified enrollment. Read and share this Research to Policy Brief from Brightpoint. And ask some questions that might move you to advocate for expanded access to HS/EHS where you are: What would it mean to treat access to HS/EHS as a protective factor for child maltreatment? What can you do where you are to begin to simplify the enrollment process? What would parents gain—for themselves and their children—if it were easier to enroll in their local HS center or EHS program?
Do what you can from where you are.
Explore More
Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research September 1, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution. Updated September 1, 2026.
Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.