Thousands of children across Florida have lost access to their Head Start centers this week as the ongoing federal government shutdown halts funding for early childhood programs.
Many centers ran out of federal funding on Nov. 1, forcing widespread closures and furloughs.
In Central Florida, several Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) Head Start centers in Orange and Polk counties have been temporarily closed. Centers in Marion and Volusia counties remain open but not fully operational.
RCMA, a nonprofit based in Immokalee, said the shutdown has disrupted services for 1,748 children across 24 centers statewide, leaving 685 teachers, caregivers, and family advocates temporarily without work.
“This is a devastating situation for the children and families we serve,” said Isabel Garcia, RCMA’s executive director. “We are doing everything possible to keep our centers open, but without federal funding, we simply cannot sustain operations at our Head Start locations.”
The organization is now seeking emergency assistance and private support to bridge the funding gap. RCMA is urging families, friends, and community members to contact their congressional representatives to help end the shutdown immediately.
Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the national Head Start program, said the government must reopen for children and families to regain access to vital services.
“We’re very disappointed in Congress and the president for not getting the government to reopen,” Sheridan said. “This is kind of the worst possible outcome.”
Many families affected by the closures also rely on SNAP benefits, meaning children who normally receive meals at Head Start centers could now face food insecurity.
“There’s a lot of heightened need for nutrition,” Sheridan said. “With SNAP reductions and delays, the children and families in Head Start — most of whom also receive SNAP — are hit with a double whammy.”
Although the Trump administration announced it will cover 50% of SNAP benefits this month under a court order, payments are expected to be delayed, and experts warn that limited funds won’t be enough to offset the broader service disruptions.
Nationwide, more than 8,000 children are unable to attend their Head Start centers this week.
Sheridan urged anyone wanting to help to contact their representatives and support local Head Start programs directly. He also encouraged communities and local governments to step up — noting that Orange County’s Head Start program remains funded locally through January.
RCMA Central Florida Centers Impacted
Marion County
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La Guadalupana Child Development Center*
Orange County
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Zellwood Child Development Center
Polk County
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Mulberry Child Development Center
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Mulberry Child Development Center II
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Wahneta Child Development Center
Volusia County
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Volusia Child Development Center*
*Some centers remain partially open due to alternate funding sources.
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