As Vermont’s Early Childhood State Advisory Council named in the Federal Head Start Act, Building Bright Futures (BBF) is deeply concerned about reports that the upcoming federal budget proposal may eliminate Head Start and Early Head Start. These programs are essential to meeting the basic needs of Vermont families.
At BBF, we are committed to ensuring that all of Vermont’s children and families have access to the fundamental resources they need to thrive. BBF plays a critical role in monitoring how policy decisions—federal, state, and local—affect the early childhood system and holding decision-makers accountable for protecting and strengthening this system.
In 2024, Head Start and Early Head Start served 1,249 at-risk children in Vermont, supported by $27.7 million in federal funding. These programs provide early education and much more. They ensure that children receive comprehensive health screenings, nutrition, family support, and access to developmental services—critical supports that help lay the foundation for lifelong well-being and academic success.
Research consistently shows that participation in Head Start improves long-term outcomes for children, including increased high school graduation rates and improved health. These programs are also a key part of Vermont’s early childhood infrastructure, especially given that access to child care, particularly in rural areas of our state, continues to be a challenge.
Vermont’s Head Start programs also employ 450 people, including 260 early educators, home visitors, and child development professionals—all of whom are valuable members of the state’s workforce and many of whom are paid above average salaries in their positions.
We recognize that the federal budget proposal is not final and are advocating to maintain federal funding for Head Start. Nonetheless, we urge Vermont’s leaders—including the Governor, state agencies, and legislators—to begin planning now for how Vermont can sustain these critical services should federal funding be reduced or eliminated. Contingency planning and cross-sector collaboration will be essential to mitigate harm to children and families.
The potential elimination of Head Start would represent not just a loss of services, but a setback to decades of progress in advancing equitable access to high-quality services that support child and family well-being. The Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council remains committed to ensuring that all Vermont children—especially those most vulnerable—have access to the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
