Every child deserves a strong start. Every family deserves support. Every community benefits when we invest in our youngest learners.
The Wisconsin Head Start Association exists to ensure that Head Start and Early Head Start programs remain strong, stable, and accessible across our state. When you advocate alongside us, you help protect comprehensive services that lift entire communities—from rural dairy towns to urban neighborhoods.
Why Head Start Matters to Wisconsin
Head Start isn’t just about preparing children for kindergarten—though we do that exceptionally well, with 93% of our teachers holding Bachelor’s degrees and most programs earning 5-star YoungStar ratings.
Head Start strengthens communities by:
- Keeping parents working: When families have reliable, quality early education, they can maintain employment and contribute to Wisconsin’s economy
- Supporting local businesses: Head Start programs employ teachers, partner with local vendors, and serve as economic anchors in their communities
- Connecting families to vital services: From health screenings to housing assistance, Head Start links families to the resources they need to thrive
- Building Wisconsin’s future workforce: Children who participate in Head Start are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and become productive citizens
Unlike traditional childcare or 4K, Head Start provides comprehensive, wrap-around services including home visits, parent education, preventive health care (vision, dental, medical, mental health), and social services. We don’t expel children for challenging behaviors—we support ALL children and their families.
Our Advocacy Work
WHSA serves as your trusted voice at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. We provide:
For Policymakers
- Research-backed policy positions and testimony that illuminate Head Start’s impact
- Data and stories demonstrating how Head Start strengthens Wisconsin communities
- Partnership opportunities to support working families and early childhood education
For Members and Families
- “Finding Your Voice” training to help you confidently share your Head Start story with legislators
- Capitol visit coordination connecting families, staff, and alumni with state and federal decision-makers
- Regular advocacy updates keeping you informed on policies affecting Head Start
- Communication toolkits with talking points, templates, and resources
For Communities
- Public education about Head Start’s value beyond the classroom
- Strategic alliances with partners who care about children and families
- Amplification of local Head Start success stories
Take Action Today
Your voice matters. Whether you’re a Head Start parent, alumni, teacher, director, or community supporter, you have a powerful story to tell.
Get Involved
- Share Your Story: Contact us to participate in legislative visits or media opportunities
- Stay Informed: Sign up for advocacy alerts and action items
- Join the Conversation: Connect with other advocates across Wisconsin
- Speak Up: When funding or policies threaten Head Start, we’ll let you know how to make your voice heard
Together, we ensure that Wisconsin’s Head Start programs remain a cornerstone of support for children, families, and communities across our state.
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Senator Tammy Baldwin receiving the 2018 Promise Award from NHSA
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Parent Affiliate leaders making State Capitol Visits 2018
