Extended Government Shutdown Puts 263 Local Head Start Children and Families at Risk

Pace Community Action Agency’s Head Start program, which serves children and families across Daviess, Greene, Knox, and Sullivan counties, warns that the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt essential services that local families rely on for education, nutrition, and stability.

Pace Head Start is one of 134 programs nationwide with a November 1 grant award date. After that date, the program will be operating without federal funding due to delays in grant approvals caused by the shutdown. If the impasse continues, the program may be forced to reduce services, close temporarily, or seek emergency local funding to stay open.

“For six decades, Head Start has helped millions of children and families build a foundation for success,” said Yasmin S. Vinci, Executive Director of the National Head Start Association (NHSA).

Locally, Tai Blythe, CEO at Pace Community Action Agency, said the uncertainty is taking a toll on both families and staff. “We are doing everything we can to keep our classrooms open because our families depend on us. Parents need to work and go to school knowing their children are safe, learning, and cared for. But we can’t sustain this without federal support.”

Head Start serves some of the most vulnerable children in southwestern Indiana—92% of enrolled children live below the federal poverty line ($26,650 for a family of three). 24% have a documented learning disability, and 96 have experienced child abuse or neglect. Through Head Start, these children receive early education, health screenings, nutritious meals, access to vital social services—all at no cost to families.

In addition to the families served, approximately 80 local staff members are employed through Pace Head Start. Without access to federal funds, their livelihoods—and the stability they bring to children every day—are also at risk.

Pace’s Head Start Director, Angie Lange, said, “Currently we are looking at ways to cut costs. Also, we are accepting monetary donations that will be used to help us continue providing valuable early childhood education to children birth through age five. Any amount donated is appreciated.”

Community members, organizations, and local leaders who wish to help keep classrooms open can use our donation link or send checks to Pace CAA, 525 N. 4th St., Vincennes, IN 47591.

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