We know you may be hearing a lot about the ongoing federal government shutdown and how it’s affecting some human services programs here in Kentucky, including Head Start.
Community Action Council is one of about 28 agencies in Kentucky that operate Head Start programs. We operate five different programs serving children from six weeks to five years old across 13 counties in central and south-central Kentucky.
All five of our Head Start grants will continue operating after November 1. While have sent multiple letters and correspondence directly to our Head Start families and program partners, we want the wider community to know that all of Community Action Council’s Head Start programs will continue operating.
All five of our Head Start program years began before the shutdown and extend well into 2026. So, our Prep Academies will remain open to children, families, and staff.
Unfortunately, four Kentucky programs, and about 136 more across the country have November 1 start dates, and are having to face very tough decisions if the shutdown continues beyond this month and they lose access to federal funding.
For more than six decades, Head Start has proven to be a launchpad for lifelong success. We stand with every Head Start grant recipient, here and across the nation, who is and wants to continue working tirelessly to keep serving the children and families who count on us.