Some WA Head Start programs still can't access federal funds a week after short-lived freeze

Some Head Start programs in Washington may be forced to shut down if their access to federal funds isn't restored soon.
The programs provide free preschool, child care, and other services to more than 13,000 low-income families across the state.
This comes a week after President Donald Trump ordered a freeze on federal grants and loans.
The move prompted legal pushback from a coalition of nonprofits and more than 20 states, including Washington. A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's effort to pause federal funding just before it was supposed to take effect.
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On Monday, the judge expanded the scope of the initial pause and said any previously frozen funds must be released.
But a week later, several Head Start programs across the country are still having trouble accessing the federal funds they need.
The Washington State Association of Head Start and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) represents Head Start programs across the state. As of Tuesday, Executive Director Joel Ryan had heard reports from a "handful" of providers that they were once again locked out or getting error messages in payment portals they rely on to cover payroll, rent, and other basic operating expenses.
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He compared the situation to "rolling blackouts." All of it — last week's funding freeze and the continued fallout since — has sown confusion and chaos, Ryan said.
While Ryan is concerned about the already overworked and underpaid preschool teachers and child care workers this affects, he said he's also worried about the state's most vulnerable children.
"They're putting the programs in a difficult spot," Ryan said. "But if this were to continue, what happens to the families who can't afford child care? Ultimately, this is about the kids and the families."
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Ryan noted about 15% of students who participate in Head Start are experiencing homelessness and many other challenges that may lead to future struggles — academically and beyond.
"These are kids who are living in deep poverty. Many of them are experiencing significant developmental delays before they arrive in kindergarten," he said. "So, these are the children who really need, well, a 'head start' to be successful in school."