Keep Head Start Funded Act of 2025

The Keep Head Start Funded Act of 2025 would ensure that Head Start programs continue operating without interruption during any government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services to low-income children, including educational, health, nutritional, and social services designed to promote school readiness. This bill would make appropriations available to continue these programs at their fiscal year 2025 funding levels until either Congress passes regular or continuing appropriations for Head Start, Congress passes appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services without Head Start funding, or September 30, 2026, whichever comes first.

If enacted, this bill would protect Head Start services from disruption during a potential shutdown, ensuring that low-income families would continue to have access to early childhood education and support services without interruption. The bill is currently in the Senate committee process and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.