By Susan Dunlap, NM Political Report
Nov. 24, 2024
A popular program that enjoys bipartisan support, Head Start, could be under threat under a second Donald Trump administration.
Project 2025 calls for the elimination of Head Start. It is a free program that provides education to young children in low-income families as well as wrap-around services. Casey Peeks, senior director of early childhood policy for the Center for American Progress, told NM Political Report that Head Start could become a target of the second Trump administration because it is a large line item in the annual budget.
She said Head Start costs roughly $12 billion annually.
“That’s one reason it’s being targeted because they want to cut federal spending and it’s one of the largest discretionary domestic programs. I don’t agree with the assertion, but in Project 2025, they claim there is no proof that Head Start has any long-term benefits to children,” Peeks said.
She said there is significant data and studies that indicate that Head Start is of enormous benefit to children in low-income families.
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