KANSAS CITY, Kan. — There are thousands of kids in the Kansas City metro that have child care because of Head Start. Changes in government funding could potentially wipe out the programs.
One Wyandotte County mom is already preparing for the worst.
“We don't want to be in this position,” said Haley Andersen, a mom with two kids in Head Start.
Andersen's family has stable child care because of Head Start.
“We wouldn't be able to afford it,” she said. “It would probably be over half of our income just with the single income we have right now.”
Andersen’s kids are just two out of 3,700 in the metro that use Head Start funding. At Delightful Learning Center in Kansas City, Kansas, 85% of the kids are there because of it.
“We're beginning to think that this could affect our employees,” said Demetria Spencer, Delightful Learning Center owner. “It could affect our family's childcare situation.”
Spencer said Delightful Learning Center could probably stay afloat a few months without funding, but she worries that her families can’t.
“Just because they can't afford it, you know, it doesn't mean it's off the table for them,” Spencer said. “It's very important that they do still have access to quality child care.”
Right now, Head Start is operating on a continuing resolution.
“Any kind of budget disruption could be detrimental and could cause programs to have to close classrooms or close down completely,” said Paula Neth, The Family Conservancy CEO.
Neth explained The Family Conservancy provides Head Start services to families in KC.
She fears a government shutdown could have larger economic impacts on the community.
“If parents can't go to work … then there's nobody filling in those jobs,” Neth said. “There's really no way you can plan for when these shortfalls are going to happen.”
Neth said all they can do is continue advocating.
“Reminding them of why Head Start and early care and education is so critical for our community,” she said.
She hopes the federal government hears the concerns of families like Andersen's.
“It will directly affect families like mine, and it's just unfortunate and sad that we even have to think about it,” Anderon said.
The potential government shutdown is Friday, March 14. Neth said the best outcome is a continuing resolution that keeps funding at the level it was in 2024. The worst option would be a government shutdown.
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KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.
