HEAD START LTE TEMPLATES 2025

Guidelines:

• Limit your LTE to 150-250 words or check the news outlet’s LTE guidelines online for an exact word limit and the best way to submit the LTE 

• Make clear that there’s broad (bipartisan) support for Head Start 

• Include a clear statement on the problem at hand, and a call to action 

• Include your personal story and why it has made you a strong advocate  

• Include your name, city and daytime phone number 

• Contact Louisa Spofford at lspofford@savechildren.org if you have questions 

1. For a Head Start parent (in a rural community) 

As a parent in a rural community, I know firsthand the difference Head Start makes. It’s not just a preschool program – it’s a lifeline. My child receives healthy meals, regular screenings and a high-quality education, while I get the support I need to stay employed and care for my family. 

This year marks 60 years of Head Start, which has served more than 38 million children and families since 1965. That’s a legacy worth celebrating – and protecting. 

Congress is soon going to negotiate the federal budget for the next fiscal year, and Head Start funding is at risk, which would devastate communities like mine. In rural areas, Head Start is often the only early childhood education program available. Eliminating it would leave families with nowhere to turn. 

Research shows Head Start works. Kids in the program are more likely to graduate high school, earn higher incomes, and stay out of poverty. For every $1 invested, taxpayers get up to $9 back in long-term benefits. 

Let’s honor 60 years of success by building on it – not rolling it back. I urge Congress to protect and strengthen Head Start so more families like mine can thrive. 

2. For a Head Start alumnus 

I’m proud to say I got my start in Head Start. As we celebrate 60 years of this life-changing program on May 18, I’ve been reflecting on how deeply it shaped my life. 

Growing up in a low-income household, I didn’t have much – but I had Head Start. It gave me a strong educational foundation, a sense of confidence and the support I needed to succeed. Because of Head Start, I stayed on track in school, went to college and built a stable career. 

Since 1965, Head Start has served more than 38 million children and families, giving them the tools to break the cycle of poverty. And it works: Kids who attend Head Start are 23% less likely to experience poverty as adults and 27% less likely to rely on public assistance. 

Now, that opportunity is in danger. With Congress debating next year’s federal budget, funding for Head Start is at risk. If we cut this program, we’re cutting off futures before they’ve even begun. 

Let’s honor Head Start’s anniversary by recommitting to its mission. I urge Congress: Invest in the next 38 million kids who need that same chance to succeed. 

3. For a Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) volunteer 

As a volunteer with Save the Children Action Network, I’ve met families across my community who rely on Head Start to give their kids a fair shot. With Head Start turning 60 this May, it’s time to celebrate – but also to act. 

Since 1965, Head Start has reached more than 38 million children and families, offering critical early learning, nutrition and health services. It helps close the opportunity gap before it even opens. In many rural and underserved areas, it’s the only support system families have. 

Now, as Congress debates funding levels for fiscal year 2026, cuts appear to be floated that would force programs to shut down. That would be devastating – not only for kids, but for working parents, educators and communities. 

Head Start isn’t just compassionate – it’s smart. Children in the program are more likely to graduate, avoid poverty and contribute positively to society. And every $1 invested yields up to $9 in return through long-term economic and social benefits. 

We can’t afford to lose this. I urge our elected officials to protect and expand Head Start so it can keep serving millions more children in the decades ahead. 

4. For an educator or former Head Start teacher 

As a former Head Start teacher, I’ve seen how this program transforms lives, especially in rural and low-income communities. And as we mark Head Start’s 60th anniversary this May, I’m proud to have been part of a program that has served more than 38 million children and families since 1965. 

Head Start gives kids a strong foundation with early learning, nutritious meals and vital health screenings. It also supports parents, helping them stay employed, pursue education and build better lives. 

But I’m worried. Congress is starting to work on the fiscal year 2026 budget, and Head Start is said to be facing catastrophic cuts. That would mean fewer classrooms, fewer teachers and fewer children reached. 

We already know Head Start works. Research shows that children who attend are more likely to succeed in school, earn more as adults and stay out of poverty. And it’s cost-effective: Every dollar invested brings back up to $9 in long-term benefits. 

As a teacher, I urge Congress: Don’t let Head Start’s 60th year be marked by disinvestment. Let it be remembered as the moment we stood up for America’s children and recommitted to their futures. 

5. For a grandparent and former caregiver 

I raised two of my grandchildren, and I can say without hesitation: Head Start was a blessing for our family. 

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Head Start this May, I think about how this program helped my grandkids – and millions of others – get a strong start. Since 1965, Head Start has supported over 38 million children and families, helping them grow, learn and thrive. 

My grandkids got high-quality early education, healthy meals and the social-emotional skills they needed to succeed in school. For me, it meant knowing they were safe and supported while I worked. It gave us stability when we needed it most. 

Now, that legacy is in danger. Congress is working on the fiscal year 2026 budget, and funding for Head Start is at risk. Cuts would mean fewer kids served and fewer families supported, especially in rural and low-income areas. 

Head Start works. It’s changed lives for 60 years. Let’s not turn our backs on it now. I urge Congress to protect and strengthen Head Start so future generations of children – and grandparents like me – have the support they need. 

6. For a community member or local business owner 

I don’t work in early childhood education, but as a local business owner, I can tell you: Head Start is vital to our community’s economy and well-being. 

Since 1965, Head Start has served more than 38 million children and families. In our area, it’s the backbone for working families who rely on safe, reliable early learning so they can hold down jobs, including in small businesses like mine. 

This May marks Head Start’s 60th anniversary, and while we should be celebrating, we also face a moment of real concern. Congress is negotiating the fiscal year 2026 budget, and funding for Head Start is on the chopping block. 

We need more programs like Head Start, not fewer. It creates a ripple effect supporting families, keeping parents in the workforce and building a stronger future workforce by giving kids the best possible start. Plus, it’s a smart investment: Every $1 invested in Head Start brings back up to $9 in returns. 

I urge Congress to take a stand for working families and rural communities. Protect and expand Head Start – for our kids, for our economy and for the next 60 years of success.