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Head Start Awareness Month

It's Head Start Awareness Month - a time to recognize and support the important work of providing early education and development opportunities for young children!

Thursday

1–31

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

October is not just the start of fall, but it's also Head Start Awareness Month! This month-long celebration aims to recognize and raise awareness for the Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and support services to low-income families. The program was first established in 1965 as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty initiative, and has since helped millions of children across the country receive a quality education and prepare for success in school and beyond. So let's take some time this October to appreciate the impact that Head Start has had on communities and celebrate its continued efforts towards promoting equal opportunities for all children.

TIMELINE

Head Start Awareness Month Timeline

Head Start's Inception

Head Start was established as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" initiative, providing early childhood education and support services to low-income families.

Expansion of Head Start

Head Start expands programming to include health, nutrition, parental involvement, and other comprehensive services beyond education.

Head Start Receives Full Day Funding

For the first time, funds are allocated to allow Head Start programs to operate full-day and full-year services.

Introduction of Early Head Start

Early Head Start is established to serve pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, enhancing developmental services for younger children.

Head Start Act Reauthorized

The Head Start Act is reauthorized, increasing access to services, enhancing quality standards, and improving coordination with state early childhood programs.

Head Start Performance Standards Revised

Head Start revises its Performance Standards, the first comprehensive revision since their original release in 1975, to reflect new research and best practices in early childhood development and learning.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Head Start Awareness Month

Host a Head Start themed party

Gather friends, family, and community members to celebrate Head Start Awareness Month with a fun and festive party. Decorate with Head Start colors and serve snacks and treats that represent the program.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local Head Start program

Show your support for Head Start by volunteering your time at a local program. You can read to children, help with activities, or assist staff with daily tasks. Your involvement will make a positive impact on the children and families in the program.

EDUCATE

Educate others about Head Start

Spread awareness and understanding about the importance of Head Start by sharing information with others. You can write a blog post, host a workshop, or simply have conversations with friends and family about the program.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraiser for Head Start

Raise funds for your local Head Start program by organizing a fundraiser. You can hold a bake sale, auction, or other event to gather donations and support. This will not only celebrate Head Start but also benefit the program and the children it serves.

ADVOCATE

Advocate for Head Start in your community

Use your voice to advocate for Head Start in your community. This can include writing to local government officials, speaking at events, or joining advocacy groups that support the program. Your efforts can help ensure that Head Start continues to have a positive impact on young children and families.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Head Start Awareness Month is Important

It celebrates a successful program with proven results

Since its inception over 50 years ago, Head Start has helped over 37 million children prepare for school through comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services. By recognizing this program during Head Start Awareness Month, we can celebrate its success and encourage support for its continued achievements.

It brings attention to the importance of early education

Head Start Awareness Month highlights the crucial role that early education plays in a child's development. This month-long observance helps educate families, communities, and policymakers about the impact of high-quality early childhood programs on young children's success in school and in life.

It raises awareness for low-income families

Many Head Start programs specifically serve low-income families and provide access to resources and support that these families may not otherwise have. By bringing attention to Head Start during this month, we can advocate for more funding and opportunities for these families so that all children have equal access to quality early education.

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