Wisconsin Head Start Association: Supporting Children and Families for Over 50 Years
About WHSA
WHSA is a private, nonprofit membership association representing parents, staff, and leaders across Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, and Tribal Head Start programs throughout Wisconsin. We support, connect, and advocate for the 42 programs delivering these services across all 72 of Wisconsin’s counties.
WHSA Mission
To support and strengthen Head Start and Early Head Start programs for the benefit of children, families, and communities through advocacy, professional development, and strategic alliances.
Advocacy Is How Head Start Wins
Advocacy is central to WHSA’s mission. Whether it’s protecting funding, shaping policy, or making sure lawmakers hear directly from the people doing this work, your voice matters. Here’s how to get involved:
Join Our Advocacy Email List
Stay informed on policy updates and action opportunities
Explore Our Advocacy Link Tree
One place for all our advocacy tools and resources
Take Action: Protect Head Start's Health & Safety Standards
Send a message to your representatives and submit a public comment in minutes
Take Action: Fiscal Year 2027 Funding
Tell Congress why FY27 funding matters for Head Start
Wisconsin Head Start Facts
16,197
Head Start & Early Head Start
2,346
MIGRANT/SEASONAL HEAD START
1,090
Tribal Children
401
STATE HEAD START
Latest News From Wisconsin Head Start Association
What HHS’s Own Numbers Reveal About Head Start “Flexibility”
What HHS's Own Numbers Say About "Flexibility" for Head Start HHS is calling its proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards a matter of "flexibility." But a close look at the Department's own Regulatory Impact Analysis tells a more complicated...
New Survey Finds Federal Delays Impact Head Start Children and Families
Children Can’t Wait: National Survey Finds HHS Workforce Cuts and Changes Delay Critical Head Start Services Madison (August 12, 2026) – New survey finds children waiting for transportation, playground repairs, classroom improvements, and other essential services...
The Wisconsin Head Start Association Condemns the Federal Administration’s Proposal to Gut Head Start Standards for Children and Families
The Wisconsin Head Start Association Condemns the Federal Administration’s Proposal to Gut Head Start Standards for Children and Families Madison (August 6, 2026) – The Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA) condemns today’s proposal from the Trump administration...
What’s Happening to Head Start? A Wisconsin Family’s Guide to the Proposed Federal Rule
What's Happening to Head Start? A Wisconsin Family's Guide to the Proposed Federal Rule For over 60 years, Head Start has meant the same promise everywhere in the country: every classroom meets the same safety standards, every child gets access to health and...
The Child Care Forum Was a Success
The Child Care Gubernatorial Forum was a success.Last Sunday, Madison hosted something Wisconsin hasn't seen much of lately: a forum dedicated entirely to child care, with all five Democratic candidates for governor in the room, taking questions directly from the...
First-Ever Child Care Gubernatorial Forum | July 19, Madison Wi
The Questions Wisconsin Head Start Families Are Asking Deserve Real AnswersAsk any Head Start family in Wisconsin what's weighing on them and child care is usually part of the conversation. Finding a spot. Affording it. Trusting it. For Head Start staff and program...
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