Overview
- About 140 programs covering roughly 65,000 child slots missed annual grants during the 43‑day shutdown, and many centers furloughed staff or closed.
- The Office of Head Start says it will fast‑track awards and notify providers when to expect funds, though operators anticipate waits of weeks.
- Leaders warn recovery will extend beyond payments because centers must rehire staff and rebuild family enrollment shaken by the disruption.
- Backlogs could affect agencies with December start dates, and some families are preparing for temporary closures if renewals slip.
- Programs that stayed open leaned on donations and loans and cut services, while others, including a migrant Head Start network, report over 1,000 children shut out and strained finances.