Get the Facts: How federal cuts could impact Head Start program in Louisville
Federal funding for Head Start programs could be eliminated, impacting early learning services nationwide, including in Louisville.
Head Start is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Trump administration asked Congress to eliminate funding for the comprehensive early learning services.
This announcement comes as the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, which administers Head Start programs in the Louisville area, opened its sixth Head Start location in Jefferson County.
They held the grand opening of their East Burnett Avenue Head Start site on Thursday.
During the grand opening, OVEC CEO Jason Adkins said they are keeping an eye on the potential threat to the federal funding their program receives.
"That's the situation that we're monitoring closely," Adkins said during a press conference. "I know a lot of Head Start agencies are."
OVEC's most recent financial report from 2023-2024 shows the federal grant for the Jefferson County Head Start/Early Head Start program totaled $10,804,368.
They also have an Eight-County Head Start/Early Head Start grant that covers Bullitt, Gallatin, Henry, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties, which totaled $6,268,471.
Adkins says they will continue to look at different funding sources.
"We are a mix of federal funds, but also state childcare subsidies," he said. "We do some fundraising. We have other types of revenue strategies. And so we want to continue to offer services to children and families, however that's going to look."
Adkins says he's hopeful the federal cuts won't happen.
"I have confidence in Congress," he added. "They have funded Head Start for nearly 60 years now, and it's had bipartisan support for many decades."
As they navigate the uncertainty, leaders say their commitment to the kids remains constant.
"What I can tell you is that my team shows up every single day, and we're doing the work to make sure that these babies are thriving and that their families have the support that they need," said Erica Nygard, the OVEC Head Start director.
OVEC's new East Burnett Avenue site currently has 28 students, but they have a licensed capacity to serve up to 62 kids.