Head Start Regional Office Closures Impacting Idaho, Pacific Northwest

On April 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered the sudden closure of five Regional Offices of Head Start, including Region 10, which serves Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. This decision left staff on administrative leave until June, raising concerns about the operational integrity of Head Start programs that support thousands of children and families. Stakeholders worry about the impact on grant approvals and ongoing projects, especially since Region 10 employees are vital for grant oversight and compliance. Prior to this closure, HHS had already frozen access to Head Start funding, which has forced some programs to deplete reserves to continue functioning. Critics, including U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, have described the move as reckless, emphasizing the essential role of these federal employees in supporting vulnerable communities. The closures, which account for less than 1% of federal Head Start spending, are prompting questions about the government's decision-making process and the potential long-term effects on program operations.