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.

Immigration Enforcement: Trauma at an Early Age

Blog May 27, 2026

Spring 2026 BUILD Partner State Meeting Summary

Archived Meeting Resources May 20, 2026

Over 40 state leaders representing six states joined BUILD for our bi-annual Spring Partner State Meeting in Houston in spring 2026

Homeless Mothers and Children: Crushing Impacts, Comprehensive Solutions

Blog May 7, 2026

“We can’t just go on chin up, chest out without eventually having a breakdown. We have to deal with the trauma. If we don’t get healed, it will just hit and hit.” ~Cynthia Garcia

Moving Away from Family Separation: Cross-Systems Strategies to Support Young Children at Risk of Child Welfare Involvement

Report March 12, 2026

Between October 2024 and April 2025, the BUILD Initiative hosted a six-part webinar series, offered through BUILD’s Prenatal-to-Three Capacity Building Hub. This report provides key learnings and highlights from the webinar series.

Community Births – A Solution to Maternity Care Deserts

Archived Webinar March 3, 2026

According to the March of Dimes 2024 report, "Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the United States," 1,104 counties, or about 35% of the nation’s 3,142 counties, are designated as Maternity Care Deserts.

Evidence for Expanded Access to Head Start and Early Head Start

Blog February 27, 2026

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?

Stop Talking . . . and Start Walking: Whole Systems That Take Action for Children and Families

Archived Webinar October 21, 2025

Over the course of this Whole Child Whole Family Whole Systems webinar series, we have journeyed together through the many forces that shape the lives of young children and their families: economic stability, maternal health, housing, homelessness, family supports, food security, and environmental conditions.