FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. (WDRB) — A leaked draft of the 2026 federal budget proposal has revealed plans that could eliminate funding for Head Start—a move that would impact thousands of families across the country and devastate local communities in Kentuckiana.
Head Start, a federally funded early childhood education program, serves low-income families by providing critical services from birth to age five. If the leaked proposal becomes reality, it would force programs like the one in Floyd County, Indiana, to close their doors entirely.
“This is not a daycare center,” said Madisyn Martin, interim director and CFO of Floyd County Head Start. “There is very, very interesting and good quality education going on in the classroom, and our teachers are prepared to provide that every day.”
Jessica Farnsley’s children graduated from Floyd County Head Start. She credits the program for giving them a solid foundation—both academically and socially.
“She completely learned how to spell her name. She learned how to count, her ABCs—I mean, she learned everything,” Farnsley said. “She would’ve started kindergarten behind if it wasn’t for Head Start.”
The program currently serves 224 students in Floyd County alone—many of whom are homeless, receive public assistance, or live below the poverty line.
“I wouldn’t have been able to afford for her to attend anywhere else,” Farnsley added. “So her having that preschool experience was only possible through Head Start.”
The leaked budget is part of an effort by House Republicans to slash $1.5 trillion in federal spending. The draft includes a line item showing zero dollars allocated for Head Start—alarming educators and families alike.
“It is nerve-wracking,” Madisyn Martin, Floyd County Head Start Interim Director, said. “We worry about the future of Head Start. Obviously, seeing a proposal that says zero funding for Head Start is nerve-wracking.”
The Floyd County program has already felt the impact of federal changes. Earlier this year, the regional office that once oversaw operations was dismantled.
Though the leaked draft still needs to go through Congress—and a final budget isn’t due until late September—the potential elimination has triggered urgent calls for action.
“We know that Head Start is a bipartisan category,” Martin emphasized. “People support this on both sides, so we want to make sure both sides are listening and know we need the support right now.”
Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) expressed strong opposition to the potential cuts.
“This is awful,” McGarvey said. “Go in kindergartens right now—even in Jefferson County—and you’re gonna find kids who aren’t toilet trained. Head Start helps our families. It helps our kids who need it most be ready to start school, be ready to learn.”
Farnsley echoed that sentiment.
“Where are these kids gonna go?” she asked. “I know a lot of the kids that come here can’t afford to go to another school where you have to pay for it. So what are they gonna do?”
WDRB reached out to Indiana Congresswoman Erin Houchin for comment, but did not receive a response.
House Republicans said they plan to release portions of the budget as early as May.
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