BOSTON (July 19, 2024) – The Massachusetts Head Start Association is immensely grateful to the state Legislature for its steadfast commitment to Head Start’s early educators and the children and families they serve across the Commonwealth.  The vote to provide full and fair funding of $18.5 million for Head Start programs is a reflection of legislators’ understanding of the critical role the early education workforce plays in building a brighter future for our families and communities.

This funding will enable Head Start to offer more competitive salaries, attracting and retaining staff to provide high-quality early education and comprehensive services to over 11,000 children statewide.  With this support, we can better address the challenges posed by staff vacancies and rising demand for services.

We deeply appreciate our legislative leaders – House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, and Ways & Means Chairs Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Sen. Michael Rodrigues – who have demonstrated a profound commitment to ensuring all children in Massachusetts have the opportunity to succeed.

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