Government shutdown set to close GA Head Start programs. Here’s where, how many

The lack of funds resulting from the on-going government shutdown is set to close 15 early childhood education centers across rural Georgia. The Head Start provider, Action Pact services counties across South and Central Georgia.

These closures will leave 548 children without education services and 187 employees furloughed.

Head Start educates children in low-income families

Head Start is a federally-funded program serving low-income children under six and their families. It offers free early education, health screenings, meals and wraparound family services.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning oversees the programs provided through 31 local agencies across the state. These agencies collectively serve over 25,000 low-income children from birth through 6 years old and their families.

The program is critical in counties with scarce and unaffordable childcare options and is essential in breaking the cycle of poverty. By providing literacy programs to both children and families,

Head Start is federally funded

Head Start relies on federal grants, typically awarded starting Nov. 1 to fund operations, and Action Pact, located in Waycross, Georgia has not received its notice of awards or funds.

Services provided:

Early Learning and Development:

• Development services for cognition, language, literacy, social-emotional skills, physical development, and creative expression.
• Ongoing screenings and assessments to monitor child progress.
• Support for children with disabilities and individualized developmental support.
• Family engagement activities for parents as active participants and advocates for their children.
• Services for children birth to age 5, including pregnant women via Early Head Start.

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, hearing, vision, and behavioral health screenings.
• Healthy meals and snacks provided daily.
• Oral health promotion.
• Assistance accessing mental health services and building resilience.

Family Well-being and Engagement:

• Parenting support and education.
• Connections to community resources and federal assistance programs.
• Support for family goals related to education, employment, economic mobility, and housing.
• Father and male caregiver engagement programs.
• Leadership opportunities for parents in program governance.

The impact on communities and families

Head Start connects families to crucial services for health, education and support and the loss of these could be devastating for some families. Additionally, furloughed employees will go without pay, causing significant hardships for their families as well.

The closure of Head Start centers disproportionately impacts low-income families, homeless children, children in foster care, and rural communities with few alternative resources.

Families will lose:

• Loss of federal services  for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Health screenings
• Nutritional support, including healthy meals 
• Affordable childcare
• Possible job loss without reliable childcare

Counties affected:

• Appling
• Atkinson
• Bacon
• Brantley 
• Candler
• Charlton
• Clinch
• Coffee
• Jeff Davis
• Pierce
• Toombs
• Ware

Response from government officials

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp urges federal lawmakers to end the shutdown and reopen the government. In an official statement, he suggests,“Georgians impacted … should review food bank and food pantry resources, as well as search for local church and non-profit organizations that are stepping up to help.

In an October letter, Republican U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter says, “When Head Start programs close, parents cannot work, businesses lose employees, and entire communities feel the strain,” and warns, “The consequences of these shutdown-related closures extend far beyond the classroom.”

Resources for families losing Head Start

Action Pact is helping by connecting families to food pantries and unemployment benefits, but local resources are limited.

Although services are not guaranteed, there are some organizations that could be of service.

• YMCA 
• Sheltering Arms
• Easter Seals
• Georgia Childcare Association
• Georgia Industrial Children’s Home
• CGTC Child Development Center
• Enrichment Services Program, Inc
• Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children (GAEYC)

As the shutdown continues, essential services are being affected for the most vulnerable in the state. You can find your members of Congress here.

If you need help finding food sources, check this list or email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Government shutdown set to close GA Head Start programs. Here’s where, how many."