Head Start providers in New York are missing payments and facing operational disruptions despite the White House’s assurance that early childhood programs would be exempt from a recent federal funding freeze.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is demanding immediate action from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to resolve the payment system failures, which have led to temporary closures and staff layoffs across the state.
He said providers nationwide are missing payments, facing delays, and dealing with technical issues that have forced some programs to close or lay off staff. The funding crisis stems from a freeze implemented by the Trump administration that temporarily halted all federal grants and loans.
In response, Schumer sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, urging officials to resolve the issues and distribute delayed payments immediately.
Schumer and his colleagues are calling for immediate disbursement of Head Start funds and a full explanation of why the payment system failure occurred. They also want assurances that such delays will not happen again.
With hundreds of families and providers in New York and across the country in limbo, they argue that urgent action is needed to restore stability to the essential early childhood education program.
