May 2025 | Monthly Newsletter from the Florida Head Start Association
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Investing in Florida's Future: The Head Start Story
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Head Start transforms communities by preparing our most vulnerable children for success while enabling parents to contribute to our economy.
The proof is in the numbers:
- 68% of Head Start families actively participate in the workforce or pursue education
- 45,000+ children (including 15,000 infants and toddlers) received services this year
- 3,758 children successfully transitioned to kindergarten last year, ready to learn
In this clip, Board Member Akia Davis and Director of Early Head Start for the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, highlights how this cost-effective program creates self-reliant families and strengthens our future workforce.
Watch her brief message, then see the full documentary to hear more stories of why Head Start works.
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Join us in celebrating Head Start's profound impact on our state. Over the next several months, we will be sharing short clips like this on our social channels that give first-hand experience of why Head Start works.
Help us raise our collective voice for Florida’s children, families, and educators. Share these Head Start advocacy messages across your social media, newsletters, and community networks today — because every like, share, and comment brings us closer to the support our programs deserve.
Be sure to follow and engage with FHSA on:
At FHSA, we are committed to continuing this vital work to help make a difference in the lives of 40,000 children and families your Head Start programs serve across Florida.
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Help shape the future of the FHSA Annual Conference & Expo by completing our survey!
Your feedback ensures that we offer relevant training opportunities tailored to you and your staff's needs, allowing us to craft the ultimate experience. Take a few minutes to share your thoughts, choose this year's theme, and let's make this year unforgettable -- together!
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Jennifer Garner Lobbies
Congress to Save Head Start Program
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Florida Stands Up for Head Start
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On April 29, 2025, FHSA Executive Director Wanda Minick spoke out in a compelling WFSU Public Media article by Margie Menzel, warning of the devastating consequences of a proposed federal budget that threatened to eliminate funding for Head Start.
While the President’s "Skinny Budget," released on May 2, did not explicitly list Head Start for elimination, it proposed a 25% cut to discretionary spending, which would impact vital programs such as the Community Services Block Grant (CCDBG) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—critical lifelines for children and families.
This budget is still just a proposal, and the Administration’s specific Head Start funding plan is expected later this month. Until Congress passes and the President signs the final funding bill, FHSA urges all supporters to keep advocating for the preservation of this essential program.
We must stand together to ensure Head Start remains a strong foundation for young children and families in FY26 and beyond. FHSA remains committed to relentless advocacy—now, more than ever.
Over the next few months, FHSA will be working to provide our members with action-oriented tools to further assist and enhance our advocacy efforts by developing:
- Tool Kits, including social media, action alerts, and one-pagers tailored for Congressional offices and community leaders.
- A business leader version emphasizing the ROI, workforce connection, and economic impact.
- Email Templates that are parent-focused, encouraging outreach to elected officials, and Program-Focused templates with talking points, media outreach guidance, and a Community Partner version designed to support indirect advocacy.
- Op-ed templates for parents, including space for personal stories and community impact, and for business leaders focusing on long-term economic investment in children/families.
FHSA remains unwavering in its commitment to partnering with our dedicated members to expand access to life-changing services for Florida’s children and families. Together, we will safeguard and strengthen the Head Start mission, ensuring it not only endures but flourishes for another 60 years and beyond—creating brighter futures, one child at a time.
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FHSA Award Program
Now Accepting Nominations
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FHSA is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for its annual awards program. This initiative recognizes outstanding individuals and programs that have significantly impacted the Head Start and Early Head Start communities across Florida.
Do you know an exceptional educator, administrator, community partner, or Head Start parent who has demonstrated dedication to the Head Start mission? Nominations will be accepted until June 30, 2025. Winners will be honored during the FHSA Annual Conference & Expo, celebrating their achievements among peers and leaders in early childhood education.
Don't miss the opportunity to recognize excellence in Head Start!
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Updates to the Office of Head Start Regional Structure
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On May 1, 2025, the Office of Head Start held a brief webinar to unveil its newest regional realignment structure. It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to grantee recipients and their vital work to serve children and families nationwide. During the webinar, leaders emphasized their relentless efforts behind the scenes to ensure minimal disruption to the critical services that communities rely on every day. Additionally, within the coming weeks, the Office of Head Start will announce leadership teams for these regional offices, further strengthening support for grantees and their essential mission. It was communicated that grantees should continue to use the correspondence feature within HSES as their primary means of communication for grant activities.
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Expanding Educational Freedoms and Parent Choice in Head Start
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Last month, the Office of Head Start released an Information Memorandum on Expanding Educational Freedoms and Parent Choice in Head Start. The guidance encourages Head Start programs to partner with local early care and education providers to expand parental choice and parental involvement in Head Start. The guidance broadly highlights current requirements in Head Start standards on parent engagement and community partnerships and does not change requirements for programs. The Office of Child Care issued similar guidance.
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NHSA Releases Statement on White House Budget Recommendations
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On May 2, 2025, NHSA released a statement on the White House budget recommendations.
The Trump Administration’s partial budget proposal, which was released today, outlines what it wants Congress to fund and cut in fiscal year 2026 (FY26). While Head Start is grateful that it was not explicitly eliminated in this skinny budget proposal, we are concerned about the significant cuts that threaten access to health services, education, and support for hundreds of thousands of families. You can read the full press release here.
While we won’t know the details until the full budget proposal is released (likely later this month), the Head Start community efforts are working!
Keep the Momentum Going!
Thank you for your hard work! Let’s keep the energy high and the pressure on! Please continue to encourage every parent, alum, and Policy Council member to sign the letter to President Trump and share it widely with their networks.
- Parent and Alumni Letter to President Trump
Over 48,000 signatures so far — Goal: 100,000 by May 22, 2025. SHARE the letter link to keep building momentum!
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Emails to Congress
Over 300,000 messages sent and counting! Keep it up! As of last week, Florida has sent out over 8,000 messages. Let’s continue and finish strong, Florida!
SHARE the email – let’s keep the momentum going!
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Don't miss the NHSA 52nd Annual Conference and Expo, happening in Columbus, Ohio, from May 19 - 22, 2025. This event promises engaging and impactful sessions designed to boost your program’s success.
The conference offers practical strategies for elevating your Head Start community, from exploring the latest Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) to enhancing data literacy and empowering early childhood professionals.
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Important Upcoming Events
FHSA EVENTS
FHSA Professional Development Opportunities
Virtual
Click here for info
FHSA Advocacy Committee Meeting
May 12, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
FHSA Membership Committee Meeting
May 20, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
FHSA Directors Affiliate Group Monthly Check-in
June 3, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
2025 FHSA Annual Conference & Expo
October 28 - 30, 2025
Orlando, Florida
Click here for info
STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS
FACA 45th Annual Training Conference
May 13 - 17, 2025
Orlando, Florida
Click here for info
DCF Broward Refugee Task Force
May 21, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
DCF Palm Beach Refugee Task Force
May 22, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
REGIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS
Mental Health First Aid Certification
May 14 - 15, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
Heart Connections with Family Service Managers
May 21, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
RIVHSA Leadership Summit
June 10 - 13, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia
Click here for info
NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS
Support Federal Funding for Child Care and Early Learning Programs
May 12, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
Health and Mental Health Leaders Institute
May 13 - 15, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info
NHSA 52nd Annual Conference and Expo
May 19 - 22, 2025
Columbus, Ohio
Click here for info
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The FHSA Dashboard: Your Tool for Advocacy
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The Florida Head Start Association dashboard is a practical tool for advocacy, created to help inform policymakers and other state leaders about the critical role Head Start programs play in Florida—and the unmet need for additional funding.
We encourage all programs to take a moment to review their data on the dashboard to ensure its accuracy. Up-to-date and accurate information strengthens our collective voice and ensures your program is represented correctly in statewide advocacy efforts.
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April’s Guest Readers Month was a special occasion at Southwood Head Start Center located in Orlando, featuring Florida House Representative Anna Eskamani for the second year in a row. Her visit was met with warmth and enthusiasm, reflecting the spirit of Head Start.
Thanks to the leadership of Preschool Director Milagros Hoyos, Eskamani’s visit was a meaningful experience for both the children and staff. The Southwood team’s dedication and passion created an inspiring environment, leaving Eskamani feeling deeply connected to their mission.
Moments like these highlight the power of partnership and community engagement, reinforcing the lasting impact of early childhood education.
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FL House Representative
Anna Eskamani (FL - 42)
reads to students at the
Southwood Head Start Center
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FL House Representative
Anna Eskamani (FL - 42)
receives a Certificate of Appreciation
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FL House Representative
Anna Eskamani (FL - 42)
speaks with Southwood Head Start staff
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Head Start and the ACLU Lawsuit Against the Administration – What’s at Stake?
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The ACLU filed a lawsuit against HHS on behalf of six organizations that are comprised of a coalition of two parent organizations, Parent Voices Oakland, Family Forward Oregon, and include four Head Start associations: Illinois Head Start, Pennsylvania Head Start, Wisconsin, and the Washington State Head Start & Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.
The purpose of the lawsuit is that these organizations feel that the Trump administration is unlawfully blocking dollars to Head Start and the DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) restrictions, which are vague and impossible for Head Start programs to follow. They feel it violates both civil rights laws and the Head Start's mission, the Head Start Act, and the standards.
This lawsuit against the US Department of Health & Human Services alleges that the administration's actions to dismantle Head Start piece by piece are contrary to the Head Start Act, violate constitutional separation of powers, spending clause, due process (vagueness), First Amendment, and the APA, and are arbitrary and capricious. The lawsuit challenges the administration of dismantling Head Start by taking away vital care from children and families in their community. The group also feels that the Trump administration is trying to dismantle the Head Start program through backdoor channels and executive actions, and that's what their lawsuit hopes to stop.
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Information Updates
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The FHSA monthly newsletter aims to provide you with important information about the Association, upcoming events, and national industry updates. We encourage you to make sure your information is up-to-date so you don't miss out on important information.
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FHSA Vision: We envision a future where all Head Start families thrive.
FHSA Mission: Empower members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services provided to families by Head Start.
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Join your State Association: FHSA provides members with access to tools, resources, and collaborative relationships empowering your agency's management team, staff, and parents. FHSA offers Individual and Corporate memberships too!
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Support your State Association: Help FHSA ensure Florida programs are supported through professional opportunities, research efforts, and legislation so they can continue to provide high-quality services to Florida's most at-risk children and families.
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