Who Does What Best? Some Thoughts about State Roles in the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships
The federally-funded Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships represent an opportunity to advance high-quality, comprehensive early childhood systems focused on the youngest children with the greatest need. The state is a critical player in terms of ensuring quality, efficiency, and equity, so in exploring the potential of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships, this paper investigates what role states can play and what we can learn from state- level work in the first round of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grants. BUILD highlights a selection of examples of partnerships between state and local leaders.
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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.