Standing on a playground usually filled with frolicking children, U.S. Senator Jack Reed visited the Head Start center in Cranston last week to publicly push back against potential federal cuts that would effectively eliminate the early-education program for disadvantaged youngsters.

Reed was surrounded by parents, teachers and state-wide educators as he warned that President Trump’s purported plan to wipe out funding for the decades old, national program would hurt families and children alike. 

“We know that investing in early education – especially in comprehensive, high-quality programs like Head Start – pays off,” Reed said.

His remarks came after news broke recently that leaked documents show that the Trump administration is planning extensive cuts that would mean the end of the Head Start program.  The national media is describing the funding cuts as “preliminary” since they are part of a budget proposal for Fiscal 2026 that has not yet been submitted to Congress.

Reed noted that Trump is already undermining Head Start, recently closing its regional Boston office which provides “critical support” for Rhode Island programs.

Seeded in 1965 as a temporary program under President Lyndon B. Johnston as part of his “War on Poverty,” Head Start has served about 39 million children and their families, according to the agency’s website.

It provides education health and nutrition services to low-income young children across the country, with the goal of preparing them for success in school. It also focuses on parental involvement.

“Head Start recognizes parents as essential partners,” Reed told the parents and teachers assembled outside the Pastore Youth Center on Gansett Avenue, where most of the city’s Head Start classes and programs are housed. “And we know (that) Head Start parents often go on to be more active in their child’s education in elementary, middle, and high school,” he said. “Head Start recognizes that school readiness is a family affair, and it empowers parents to speak up for themselves and their community.”

In Rhode Island, local Head Start programs are administered by various partner agencies. In Cranston, the services are overseen by Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP).

After Reed’s speech, children ran back to the outdoor playground areas to resume their games and laughter.

Stacy Del Vicario, CCAP’s Vice President of Child Development, said the agency appreciates Reed’s support and the fact that the program has solid support from Rhode Island’s strong Congressional delegation.

It is unfortunate, she said, that in a year when it should be celebrating it’s 60^th anniversary, Head Start is worried whether it will have a future.

The program currently serves nearly 170 children in the city, between its traditional services and it’s “early start” initiative, she said.  Del Vicario noted that Head Start helps entire families by involving parents in their children’s education and also giving parents a chance to better their own situations. Thousands of families have no access to early childcare, she said, but with Head Start they can pursue jobs and careers while they’re children are in a safe, nurturing, learning environment.

“These children are already disadvantage,” she said. “To take away their early education will have a ripple effect for them and their families.”

Despite the specter of devastating cuts, Del Vicario said that the program is maintaining positivity for the children and will continue to advocate for the work that it does.

“The children are here, continuing to learn and fun as usual,” she said. “And we remain hopeful.”