The Head Start program is a cornerstone of our nation’s collective action to lift children out of poverty. Built on the core idea that children are full of incredible promise, Head Start brings that promise to life in communities across our country.

Over the past 60 years, nearly 40 million children and their families have received early education, health, nutrition and developmental support through Head Start. In Marin County, hundreds of children of low income ages 5 years old and younger get access to high-quality education at an early age, laying a strong foundation for kindergarten readiness, lifelong learning and success in life. Head Start also embodies a multi-generational approach, engaging and equipping parents and caregivers as central in their child’s network of support.

Recently, federal funding to key efforts such as Head Start were flagged for elimination by members of the new presidential administration. Head Start alone represents $6.5 million of resources to the county — resources that help to break the cycle of poverty for families and equip children with the things that will help them grow, learn and succeed in life.

“My daughter started Head Start at nine months,” one parent at Community Action Marin’s Hamilton Children’s Center told us. “The staff helped not only my daughter, but also my entire family. Now, my child has a solid foundation to start kindergarten, with the physical, cognitive, health and emotional development appropriate for her age.”

For every $1 of federal Head Start investment, Community Action Marin, a local nonprofit and grant recipient, leverages $3 from other sources to directly support children and families. CAM’s blended funding model, which includes dollars from Head Start, the state and privately donated funds, increases quality and provides a comprehensive program to all enrolled children.

“Isn’t this what we want for all children?” First 5 Marin Executive Director Maria Niggle asked. “(Give them) a strong start, family support (and) the ability to thrive and reach their full potential. Now is our time to speak up for the children and families who rely on Head Start.”

Just weeks ago, five regional Head Start offices were closed by the administration. It’s hard to predict how Head Start grants are going to be processed and supported without the regional office presence. More critically, and by all accounts, President Donald Trump’s administration will likely make strong moves against the Head Start program in both the appropriations request and in the final Department of Government Efficiency report.

What’s at stake? Community Action Marin currently has 187 income-eligible children on the waiting list for Head Start, with planned enrollment of 662 children for the next fiscal year beginning July 1. The consequences of Head Start elimination would be dire for these children and their families, not to mention the hundreds of thousands across the U.S. The negative impacts would certainly ripple out into our schools, workplaces and community to cause further harm at individual and societal levels.

Studies like those from the Heckman Equation and the National Bureau of Economic Research show that Head Start returns between $7 and $10 for every $1 invested, while also accounting for reduced crime, better health and increased earnings. Head Start makes sense for our community.

At 17%, the level of childhood poverty in Marin iis the highest in the Bay Area according to 2023 data from the Public Policy Institute of California. We have work to do, and we believe the path of anticipated cuts does not serve children, families, our economy, or our shared future. Your voice matters now, and we invite you to take action today in support of Head Start.

You can visit and share the National Head Start Association’s advocacy page at nhsa.org/take-action and spread the word to others in your networks. Let’s ensure that each child and family in Marin County has what they need to thrive. We’re stronger together in support of a vibrant Marin for each one of us.

Chandra Alexandre is CEO of Community Action Marin, an anti-poverty movement building nonprofit that supports children and families. Learn more at camarin.org. John A. Carroll is the Marin County superintendent of schools.