When It’s Too Hot to Play, Sleep, or Learn: Supporting Children and Caregivers in a Warming World
When we think about young children and temperature, we often think about cold conditions and the protections needed to stay warm and safe. But how often do we consider the opposite: extreme heat? As climate change drives temperatures higher, extreme heat is becoming a more frequent and dangerous part of everyday life, especially for young children and caregivers living in under-resourced communities.
Environmental conditions, like heat exposure, aren’t just comfort issues—they’re critical developmental concerns. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can elevate stress on pregnant individuals, worsen chronic health conditions, and affect how young children play, sleep, and learn. For families already navigating economic and social instability, these environmental stressors can further impact healthy development and caregiver well-being.
This webinar invites you to expand your understanding of what it means to create healthy, equitable developmental environments. We explore how to build systems that not only respond to climate realities but actively support child and family development in a changing world.
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Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research September 8, 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 8, 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.