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Evidence for Expanded Access to Head Start and Early Head Start

Blog
By: Cynthia Tate, PhD February 27, 2026
Read the Research to Policy Brief

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

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.