Head Start providers in New York face new financial and logistical challenges after the Trump administration proposed restrictions on undocumented children.
Experts said many centers are already facing federal funding delays, which have affected preschool programs, as well as their ability to pay and retain staff.
Susan Stamler, executive director of the advocacy organization United Neighborhood Houses, said children are at risk of missing critical early education and health interventions.
“This is an amazing program that actually should be expanded, not limited,” Stamler urged. “And should certainly not have any kind of citizenship test connected to it.”
She pointed out that Head Start providers have never verified the immigration status of those enrolled in the program and they are struggling with a lack of communication from the federal government. The Trump administration said the change is needed to deter illegal immigration and ensure only citizens benefit from taxpayer-funded programs.
New York and 20 other states have sued the administration, arguing the proposed policy has already created “chaos” for Head Start providers and the cost of compliance could force many to close. The administration has temporarily paused the ban until Sept. 11 but Stamler noted immigrant parents, already on edge, may choose to keep their children home.
“Should I walk my child to school? Should I be out there and vulnerable? (These) are questions that these families are asking themselves,” Stamler observed. “The chilling effect has already happened.”
She stressed the federal government has still not informed New York City as to when they’ll receive money for Head Start, or even how much. The city has told local agencies servicing Head Start programs it will work to fill the funding gap. More than 40,000 children and families in New York benefit from Head Start’s free learning and health services each year.
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