South Dakota families are at risk.
The proposed federal budget threatens to eliminate funding for Head Start and Early Head Start—programs that provide essential child care, education, health, and cultural support to thousands of families across our state.

This isn’t just child care — it’s culturally grounded early learning, health, and family support.
Along with free day care, Head Start provides a nurturing environment focused on social, emotional, developmental, and educational skills. Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers, while both programs offer home visits, nutritious meals, health screenings, and career support for parents. These services help break cycles of poverty and support long-term success.

Cutting Head Start funding will be detrimental to all communities.

And for Tribal communities, these cuts would be devastating.

Tribal Head Start safeguards culture — and futures.
In Oceti Sakowin communities, Tribal Head Start is not just early learning. It’s culturally grounded care that uplifts Native languages, traditions, and values—strengthening families and nations for generations to come.

Cutting this funding would:
– Deepen South Dakota’s child care crisis
– Undermine Tribal sovereignty and leadership
– Harm outcomes for children and families who already face systemic barriers
– Risk placing our children even further behind amid rising educational expectations

We must act now.
Lawmakers need to hear directly from South Dakota families, educators, and advocates.

Use the form on this page to send a message to your representatives.

Tell them to protect Head Start and Tribal Head Start—because every child deserves a strong, supported start in life.