Voices proudly supports this bill’s commitment to universal access to evidence-based Head Start and Early Head Start programs for all eligible families across the Commonwealth. By directing the Head Start State Collaboration Office to develop a comprehensive, well-resourced plan that expands capacity, strengthens the early childhood workforce, and leverages innovative funding models, this legislation takes a critical step toward ensuring every child has a strong, equitable start in life.

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HB 211 takes a vital step in strengthening Virginia’s early childhood care and education system by taking a clear, informed look at the current state of Head Start and Early Head Start across the Commonwealth and aiming to fortify it. At the core, Head Start provides a comprehensive and high-quality pre-k curriculum in a safe and warm learning environment for our most vulnerable children. Beyond the classroom, Head Start is truly a wrap-around service providing families with support to promote their physical and emotional health, mental wellness, and even financial well being. When families have access to Head Start services, children enter elementary school healthier, more prepared, and are more likely to succeed long term. HB 211 is critical for the future of Head Start in the state of Virginia. Nationally, there is a need for stronger state-level investment and coordination, especially as federal funding continues to wane. This bill lays the groundwork for exactly that by helping Virginia understand just how much the support is needed and how to responsibly maximize and protect this beloved program. Head Start’s mission statement is “to promote the school readiness of children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development in learning environments”. HB 211 supports this mission by expanding and strengthening Head Start in Virginia, as this state-level support is needed now more than ever. When Head Start is strong, families are empowered and when families are empowered, children thrive. I respectfully urge you to support this bill. Thank you for your time and commitment to Virginia’s children and families.

ODACS does not take a position on HB 211. However, we would caution the subcommittee about the persistent safety gap that exists between licensed childcare in Virginia and Religiously Exempt childcare in Virginia. Contrary to conventional thought, Religiously Exempt centers are statistically safer than licensed centers. For example, according to data collected by the Department of Social Services, from 2021 to 2024, there were 175 founded cases of child abuse that occurred in licensed centers in Virginia. In the same 3-year period in Religiously Exempt childcare settings, there were 8 founded cases of child abuse. HB 211 would dramatically expand licensed childcare in our state. In our opinion, it is highly imprudent to do so without at least acknowledging the safety gap, let alone addressing it.

Early prevention and support are absolutely critical for children, especially those from underserved communities. Programs like Head Start provide children with access to early education, health screenings, and social-emotional support before they enter kindergarten. These early interventions lay the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. As a School Psychologist, I have seen firsthand how early support makes a difference. Children who have access to high-quality early learning programs are more prepared for school, develop stronger social-emotional skills, and are better able to engage in learning from the very first day. Head Start also provides families with resources and guidance that support their child’s development, creating a strong home-school connection that benefits children well beyond the classroom. Universal access to Head Start would ensure that all children, regardless of background, have the opportunity to start school ready to succeed.

The Virginia Head Start Association (VAHSA) supports this legislation directing the Head Start State Collaboration Office to develop a plan to maximize state support to Head Start and Early Head Start in Virginia. Establishing this goal reflects Virginia’s commitment to evidence-based early childhood services and coordinated state support for federally funded programs. We support the bill’s focus on capacity expansion, sustainable funding, and workforce stability, and look forward to continued collaboration with the General Assembly and state partners to strengthen and expand Head Start across Virginia. Submitted by Dawn Ault, VAHSA Executive Director

Affordability? Who is paying for all this? This is setting up fraud, waste, and abuse, on the Somali/Minn. level.