Ohio Head Start Centers Close as Federal Funding Stops
Ohio’s Head Start programs, vital for thousands of children and families, are now facing severe disruption due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Head Start, a federal program providing preschool education and Early Head Start services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant individuals, relies on federal grants administered through local agencies.
In fiscal year 2024, Ohio received 62 Head Start grants totaling over $440 million. However, with funding lapses beginning on October 1 as Congress remains deadlocked, many programs are struggling to stay open.
Without renewed federal funding, seven Ohio Head Start providers scheduled to receive grants in November risk closure, with some programs already shutting down classrooms in Scioto and Highland counties. Allen and Coshocton County programs are expected to close in the coming weeks.
Head Start serves more than 33,000 children in Ohio, including nearly 1,750 children in foster care and 1,660 experiencing homelessness. The programs employ over 2,300 teachers statewide, with Early Head Start teachers earning around $36,000 annually and preschool teachers $40,000.
Local directors have cited the shutdown’s severe impact on families and staff. Susan Craddock, executive director of Coshocton County Head Start, explained that despite community support, the program would need to close temporarily starting November 14, with plans to reopen once federal funds are restored.
Julie Stone, executive director of the Ohio Head Start Association, emphasized that the shutdown is “pulling the rug out from under working families,” threatening child care, teacher paychecks, and stable learning environments for children.
The closures affect more than 1,000 children, 55 classrooms, and 286 staff members, highlighting the broader societal consequences of federal inaction.
This crisis underscores the importance of every child’s right to education, care, and protection. Children are entitled to survival, development, and access to safe, nurturing educational environments.
Temporary closures of Head Start programs deny children these fundamental rights, leaving them without early learning, stability, and critical support systems. Protecting children’s education and well-being must remain a priority.
