May 15, 2025

Jackie Stephens’ daughters Mercy and Hope both attended free child care and preschool through Head Start, and she says they’ve thrived. Jackie has gotten help herself through the program, with breastfeeding, nutritional advice and parenting.

But now Jackie’s worried. Because earlier this year, President Donald Trump indicated he wanted to eliminate all funding – $12.3 billion – for Head Start.

Guests:

  • Jackie Stephens, Parent, Sharon Neese Early Learning Center, Sacramento
  • Timeisha Seymore, Parent, Sharon Neese Early Learning Center, Sacramento
  • Annabel Stofer, Teacher, Sharon Neese Early Learning Center, Sacramento
  • Diana Lambert, Reporter, EdSource

Read more from EdSource:

Education Beat is a weekly podcast, hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

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