NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

As the government shutdown continues, several key programs are at risk. One of them is Head Start, the federal program that provides early childhood education, health and food support for low-income families. William Brangham discussed the potential impacts with Tommy Sheridan of the National Head Start Association, a nonprofit that advocates for Head Start funding and works with its programs.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Key terms

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) = a federal program that provides funding for food purchases for low-income Americans

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. When is SNAP set to run out of money?
2. What is Head Start, and who does it serve?
3. Who is Tommy Sheridan, and what is his background?
4. How does Head Start provide more than preschool services, according to Sheridan?
5. Why might some Head Start providers close their doors if the government shutdown continues?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• How do you think the loss of Head Start programs would impact local economies? How would it impact who is available to participate in the workforce?
• Why do you think the current government shutdown has continued for longer than any previous shutdown? How do you think it might end?

Media literacy: The government shutdown has impacted a great number of federal programs. Why do you think this segment focuses on just one of them?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

The current shut down is not the first time Head Start or food programs have been threatened by cuts or federal gridlock. In fact, News Hour produced a segment on threats to such programs as recently as February 2025.

First, watch the segment below from that time. Then as a class, discuss —

• How can you find out how federal cuts and the most recent gridlock have impacted Head Start programs in your own community? Start by identifying where Head Start is offered in your area.
• Then discuss — what impact would Head Start closures have on your local economy? What other businesses and economic activity might be affected by Head Start closures?

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