Last week, the Trump Administration closed five of the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) regional offices in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and New York, which collectively serve 23 states and territories.
The Chicago office, in particular, has been an essential partner to Start Early and other Head Start programs across the Midwest in both daily operations, as well as responding to the unique needs of local communities. Regional offices provide grant oversight, monitor programs and advise on complying with local regulations, including those for child safety. They also provide training and technical assistance. Without these resources in place, early childhood programs and the young children they serve are put at-risk across the country.
Start Early recently offered background to several media outlets about what these changes may mean for programs and families, and what communities can do to help raise awareness of the situation. Interviews featured Celena Sarillo, Executive Director of Illinois, and Diana McClarien, Vice President of our Early Head Start Network.
