Garamendi introduces bill to expand access to federal early education program

U.S. Representative John Garamendi has introduced a bill aimed at expanding eligibility for Head Start, the federal early education program. This initiative comes during Head Start Awareness Month and seeks to address the challenges faced by families in California who are not eligible under current criteria tied to the federal poverty line but still experience financial hardship due to high living costs.

The proposed legislation, known as the "Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2024" (H.R.9825), aims to amend existing laws to include families receiving assistance from programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and federal housing assistance. It also seeks to codify current categorical eligibility for TANF, SSI, and SNAP within Head Start.

Garamendi emphasized the importance of this expansion: “While the right-wing extremists behind Project 2025 threaten to eliminate Head Start entirely, I am working alongside Head Start administrators to expand access to this critical early education program.” He added that expanding eligibility would ensure vulnerable children have opportunities for learning and development.

Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director of Head Start California, expressed support for the bill: “Many families are eligible for a myriad of other Federal assistance programs but are left out of Head Start. This bill would level the playing field by allowing more of our most vulnerable children and families to apply for Head Start services.”

E Center also voiced its backing: “E Center firmly believes that families that qualify for and rely on supplemental food and housing programs should qualify for Head Start Services."

Since its establishment in 1965, Head Start has served over 39 million children from low-income backgrounds across the United States. The program provides early education along with health and nutrition services in partnership with local communities. Currently, it serves over 800,000 children annually nationwide, including nearly 95,000 in California.

The bill is endorsed by several organizations including NEA, AFT, AASA, California County Superintendents, National Center on Housing and Child Welfare among others.