LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Childcare advocates and parents across Nevada are raising concerns over proposed federal funding cuts that could end childcare access for thousands of Nevada families.
Reports of cuts to federal program Head Start have caused concerns, nationwide, as advocates like the National Head Start Association urge parents to lobby lawmakers to protect funding.
A report obtained by the Associated Press showed that the Trump Administration proposed eliminating funding for Head Start in the 2026 Congressional budget, all with a goal of “returning control of education to the states and increasing parental control.” Budget officials have not denied the report, reiterating that Congress has not approved any funding changes or cuts.
Numerous centers like Sunrise Children’s Foundation in the Las Vegas Valley (which operates in the 2025-2026 fiscal cycle and relies exclusively on Head Start funding for programs) could completely close as early as December. The center helps 400 families with childcare, early development and education, and nutrition support. Children range from infants to pre-K age.
“My fear for the families is that they would be put in a position to even have to make this decision: the sacrifice to whether to feed their family or to stay home with their child because ultimately, that’s what’s going to happen if they don’t have childcare and are unable to work,” said Tiffany Alston of the Sunrise Children’s Foundation.
“Then they can’t feed their family. They can’t pay their rent,” Alston said.
According to the Children’s Advocacy Alliance, the recent expiration of COVID-19 era funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) led to the ending of childcare funding for 5,500 children.
According to the Alliance, the proposed cuts to Head Start could impact 2,500 children.
With looming cuts to other federal programs, a total of 10,000 children across Nevada could potentially lose all childcare access.
“The dissolution of a program that’s so critical to the community would have upwards to thousands of families looking for childcare, in an already strained childcare landscape. This would be detrimental for a lot of families, especially families who are looking to engage in the workforce,” said Jamelle Nance of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance.
Nevada is a “childcare desert”: according to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board Childcare Working Group, 74% of Nevada families with young children (ages 0 to 5) do not have access to licensed childcare; 65% of families have two working parents.
Sen. Jacky Rosen released the following statement to FOX5:
“At a time when child care is already too expensive and out of reach for hardworking Nevada families, it’s outrageous and cruel for the Trump Administration to propose eliminating Head Start, taking away this lifeline from families who need it most. Studies have shown that Head Start improves children’s lives, and I won’t let this critical program be sacrificed by Republicans to pay for more tax cuts for billionaires. If the Trump Administration sends a budget proposal to Congress that guts Head Start funding, I’m going to do everything in my power to oppose it and fight back.”
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