Head Start programs across KY could close as federal shutdown continues

Several Head Start programs in Kentucky, which provide preschool services for low-income students, could soon be closed due to the federal government shutdown.

At least one program in Eastern Kentucky may be shutting its doors on Nov. 1 if the shutdown does not end. Hundreds of students could be impacted if the programs close.

Pike County Superintendent Freddie Bowling told families in a letter Wednesday the district Head Start services may be suspended Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, and would remain closed until federal funding is restored, the Appalachian News-Express reported.

“This includes classroom instruction, meals and transportation services provided through the program,” Bowling said.

Bowling didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from the Herald-Leader.

The school district is exploring interim solutions, such as virtual learning and possible meal pickup, he said in the letter. He encouraged families to plan for alternative child care arrangements.

“As soon as funding is reinstated, we will work quickly to resume services,” Bowling said.

The Pike County Public Schools Head Start program is overseen by the Big Sandy Area Community Action Council, which also oversees Head Start in Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin and Martin counties. It also provides services through the Paintsville Independent School district, according to its website.

Officials with Big Sandy Area Community Action Council did not immediately return calls from the Herald-Leader asking for comment. It’s not clear if the other Head Start programs in that service area will shut down come Nov. 1.

Central and Eastern Kentucky Head Start programs also in jeopardy

Two other community action agencies, which oversee many anti-poverty programs, also have Head Start contracts that were to be renewed on Nov. 1. and are facing possible closure.

KCEOC Community Action Partnership in Knox County has applied for a line of credit to keep its program — which serves more than 900 kids and employs more than 200 people — operating through the end of November, said Paul Dole, president and CEO of KCEOC.

Dole said KCEOC is hoping that if and when the government re-opens and the Head Start contract is signed, the group will be able to repay that line of credit. However, interest payments on the loan will have to come from KCEOC’s other funds, mainly donations, Dole said.

Central Kentucky Community Action Council in Lebanon will also not have funds for Head Start come Nov. 1.

Bryan Conover, executive director of Central Kentucky Community Action Council, said its board will meet Monday to determine if it should also get a line of credit to keep its Head Start program, which serves 400 children in six counties, operating for another month.

But Central Kentucky Community Action Council, which serves Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties, would have to come up with the interest payments on that line of credit.

It’s also possible, but highly unlikely, the federal government will not allow federal Head Start programs to use its new money to pay off the principal on the line credit, Conover said.

“We don’t have a million dollars lying around to keep this going,” Conover said.

The program also has more than 150 employees who could be furloughed if the program is not restarted. Regardless, kids and working parents are going to be hurt, he said.

“We may be the only nutritious meal these kids get all day,” Conover said.

The other community action councils across the state have different start dates for Head Start programs and will not have to borrow or shut down services, community action officials said.

Melissa Tibbs, director of sustainability for the Community Action Council which serves Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas counties, said its Head Start contract is already in place and the program is not affected by the federal government shut down.

“All five of our Head Start programs will continue to operate past November,” Tibbs said. “The program year start dates for all five of our programs occurred before the government shutdown. But through our national partner, the National Head Start Association, I’m aware that there are 140 Head Start programs across the country, educating 65,152 children, with program start dates of Nov. 1 that may lose access to federal funding. “

This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 11:59 AM.