The Pennsylvania Head Start Association

06/03/2026

Family Foundations Early Head Start recently participated in a roundtable discussion with Congresswoman Summer Lee focused on proposed legislation to expand Head Start services.

During the discussion, the Family Foundations team highlighted the impact of its Early Head Start program, including the B.R.A.V.E. Group. A program participant also attended and shared how Head Start and the B.R.A.V.E. Group have positively impacted her life.

Family Foundations shared photos from the event, along with an article further explaining the roundtable discussion. Their participation offered an important opportunity to elevate the meaningful work happening within Early Head Start and to highlight how programs like the B.R.A.V.E. Group support children, families, and communities.

https://www.wesa.fm/education/2026-04-14/summer-lee-head-start-allegheny-county-early-ed?utm_source=WESA&utm_campaign=e887344274-Inbox_Edition_newsletter_2026_04_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-6838b61265-446521894

06/02/2026

🚨 Pennsylvania Head Start, let’s show up strong!

Head Start staff across the country are signing on to support investments in our workforce, programs, children, and families.

Let’s make sure Pennsylvania is one of the most represented voices in this effort. 💙💛

It only takes a minute — add your name now!

🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1DeSArDQENH9FBW_GypdFQZB9bQBhtkU9Pnk6NGLvoSU/viewform?edit_requested=true

05/27/2026

"I attended headstart as a child. Headstart was the base of starting relationships (of people I still know and keep in touch with to this day) and the beginning of who I am today.

Fast forward to 2016 I began college and started going to school for my associates in early childhood. I needed to complete some observation hours and student teaching, so I had applied to the same headstart I attended as a child and was hired on as an aide in 2018. I immediately bumped up to assistant, and shortly after, lead teacher. Headstart has helped me in achieving my early education goals and helped to create meaningful relationships with children and their families. It is so rewarding each and every day to help children reach their goals, provide a safe place for them and see their little smiles light up each morning they get to see Miss Jayda. It is rewarding to know the impact we have on children and their families.

Aside from my career, my step son went through headstart and it taught him school readiness and important social emotional skills. It is my hopes that my daughter will also have the opportunity to attend headstart, as it is such an important asset to our children, and our community."

05/26/2026

Big News for Ramsey School! 🎉

Pocono Services for Families and Children was recently awarded a national grant from T-Mobile as part of its commitment to investing in small towns across America.

Their Ramsey School Project was selected as one of just 25 recipients out of 900 applications nationwide — an incredible recognition of the meaningful work happening in their community.

Grant funds will support a brand-new on-site kitchen at Ramsey School, allowing meals to be prepared right on-site rather than transported from another location. This simple but powerful upgrade will help better support the children and families served by the program.

Thank you for sharing this exciting glimpse into your work — and congratulations to Pocono Services for Families and Children on this well-deserved national recognition!

05/25/2026

LEARN MORE HERE!

The University of Pittsburgh has launched a new graduate Certificate in Infant Mental Health (IMH) — a fully online, affordable credential designed specifically for working professionals in home visiting, early intervention, early care and education, and child-serving clinical settings.

The program is offered through Pitt Online at $750 per credit hour and is directly aligned to PAAIM and Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health endorsement learning domains.

LEARN MORE HERE!The University of Pittsburgh has launched a new gr...

05/22/2026

Tell Congress to Increase Funding for Head Start in FY27!
President Trump’s administration has released its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget proposal, outlining federal funding priorities for the year ahead. The proposal maintains current funding levels for Head Start, continuing support for the program serving children and families in every congressional district across the country.

While maintaining level funding avoids immediate cuts, the proposal does not include additional investment to address rising operational costs, including workforce needs, facilities, transportation, and comprehensive services provided to children and families. Without increased funding, programs will continue facing difficult decisions that impact staffing, enrollment capacity, and service delivery.

The President’s proposal is only the beginning of the federal appropriations process. Congress will ultimately determine final FY27 funding levels, which is why it is critical for lawmakers to hear directly from constituents about the importance of investing in Head Start.

We need a strong, unified message from communities across the country: Head Start programs need increased FY27 funding to support a meaningful cost-of-living adjustment, quality improvement funding to maximize program capacity and impact, and additional resources to continue providing nutritious meals to children and families.

Please take a moment using this form to email your Members of Congress and urge them to support increased funding for Head Start in Fiscal Year 2027.

FY27 federal budget proposal

05/21/2026

Hello Friends,

We will be hosting the University of Pittsburgh to share information about their new Infant Mental Health Certification Program, and I would love to see you during this session.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the certification, ask questions, and consider how this may support staff, programs, and the children and families we serve.

Even if you are only able to join for part of the session or listen with your camera off, we would be grateful to have you there. The session will also be recorded and shared with everyone who registers.

Hope to see you there!

Session: May 22 @ 9:00a, 30 minutes.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6XDGls2tQS-L9BSnxn6xXw

05/21/2026

My Head Start journey began in 1991 in rural NY as a home visitor.

Supporting families to engage with their children through play, reading, and nutrition. Transporting families to doctor, dental and WIC appointments and together times.

Since 2016 my current role is an Early Head Home Visitor and Head Start Family Service Worker.

This work is intentional and purposeful. I support families with their goals, parenting, nutrition, health and safety. There is so much more in between. A meaningful relationship is formed and grows in trust and strength from prenatal to school age.

The strength behind what I do every day is valued and acknowledged with our leadership, at the Lancaster Lebanon IU13. I feel recognized, heard and valued.

05/20/2026

Program Spotlight: Food Adventures in Action! 🍍

Recently, SUMMIT Early Learning rolled out Dr. Yum’s Food Adventure, a new nutrition curriculum supported by the recent Head Start Nutrition Grant.

Staff and children recently participated in a recipe activity featuring Pineapple Power Salad, bringing hands-on learning, healthy foods, and a little extra fun into the classroom. These bright moments remind us how meaningful it can be when children are invited to explore new foods in engaging, playful ways.

Thank you for sharing this energizing glimpse into your work — and for helping children build positive connections with nutrition, one food adventure at a time!

05/14/2026

✨ Meet our 2026 Unsung Hero Award Recipient! ✨

The Pennsylvania Head Start Association is proud to celebrate Aubrey Engle as this year’s Unsung Hero Award recipient! 🎉👏

Created in honor of Michael Shipman and his years of dedicated service to the Association’s Board of Directors, this award recognizes quiet leadership, meaningful impact, and a deep commitment to others. 🌟

Aubrey, a Head Start alumni from Child Development, Inc. Head Start in Schuylkill County, represents exactly what this award was created to honor. Through her kindness, work ethic, academic commitment, and care for her family, school, workplace, and community, Aubrey reminds us that leadership often shows up through consistency, compassion, and service. 💙🌱

A special thank you to the University of Pittsburgh School of Education for their continued partnership and generous support of this award. 🎓💛💙 Their commitment helps us celebrate the lasting impact of Head Start and the incredible alumni whose stories continue to inspire us. 🙌

Congratulations, Aubrey! 🖤✨