Garamendi proposes expansion of eligibility criteria for California's early education program

Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) introduced a new bill aimed at expanding eligibility for the Head Start program to include more families in California. This legislative move comes amid efforts by former President Donald Trump and Republicans to reduce federal funding, which could impact Head Start.

The proposed legislation, titled "Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025" (H.R. 728), seeks to amend the current Head Start Act. The amendment would make families receiving assistance from programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and federal housing assistance eligible for Head Start services.

Rep. Garamendi stated, “While Donald Trump has threatened to eliminate Head Start entirely and has now caused chaos and confusion with the threat of an unconstitutional freeze on all federal funding, I’m working to expand access to this critical early education program for working Californian families.” He emphasized that Trump's plans could harm American families seeking quality education opportunities for their children.

Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director of Head Start California, expressed support for the bill: “As efforts to cut spending threaten families’ access to various programs, Head Start California is proud to support Rep. Garamendi’s Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025.” She noted that the bill would allow more vulnerable children and families in California to access necessary early education services.

E Center also endorsed the legislation. A representative stated that qualifying families relying on supplemental food and housing programs should be eligible for Head Start services as they work towards self-sufficiency.

Since its establishment in 1965, the federally funded Head Start program has served over 39 million children from low-income families across the United States by providing high-quality early education along with health and nutrition services. The program currently serves over 800,000 children annually nationwide, including nearly 95,000 in California.

The bill is backed by several organizations including NEA, AFT, AASA, California County Superintendents, National Center on Housing and Child Welfare among others.