Holly Kim
By HOLLY KIM
Treasurer, Lake County, Ill.
It wasn’t part of the plan when I became pregnant at 22. I was in college, balancing a full-time job and figuring out my future. Suddenly, I had to learn how to care for a child too.
Like many young parents, I found myself navigating a system I never imagined I’d need, leaning on social safety nets just to stay afloat.
One of those lifelines was our local Head Start program. It provided a safe, nurturing space for my child and gave me the peace of mind to pursue a brighter future for us.
I’ll never forget how critical that support was. That’s why, as we wrap up National Head Start Awareness Month, I want to be clear about what’s at stake if the federal government cuts funding.
In Illinois, tens of thousands of children rely on Head Start each year. These programs offer comprehensive services – from developmental screenings to nutritious meals. Most enrolled kids come from low-income families whose income is at or below the federal poverty line or receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
For perspective: in 2025, income would have to be $32,150 or below for a family of four. Some of these kids face additional hardships like homelessness, foster care, or disabilities. When you need Head Start, it feels like a miracle to get it.
But the need far outweighs the resources. According to data from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, there are 97,631 children eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start in Illinois. The state is currently serving just under 30,000.
We must do better.
Since its inception six decades ago, Head Start has served more than 40 million children and families nationwide. But with Congress refusing to guarantee sustained funding, roughly 800,000 children and pregnant people hang in the balance – including many in Illinois.
The federal government shutdown only makes things worse, forcing providers and children to bear the brunt of political dysfunction.
I believe this is more than a budgetary issue. This is about who we want to be as a nation. But as Lake County’s Treasurer, I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight that Head Start is an incredibly smart investment.
The benefits of early education are not up for debate. Decades of research proves that children with access to Head Start are more likely to succeed in school, graduate and avoid incarceration. Every dollar invested in early childhood yields a return of $7-$10 in long-term savings.
This isn’t just about our children; it’s also about our working parents. Head Start allows parents to work, continue school, or train for better jobs. Our fiscal health isn’t just measured through spreadsheets or praise from bond agencies. It’s measured by how well we take care of our kids, our working families, and their ability to live successful lives.
Head Start helped change the trajectory of my life. Investing in it isn’t just right – it’s one of the smartest investments we can make.
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October 29, 2025 at 04:30PM
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