DOGE cuts hit learning program for low-income children in western WA

EVERETT, Wash. — This week the Trump administration’s cost cutting measures struck once again in western Washington, this time targeting education for low income children.

Seattle’s headquarters for Head Start was eliminated — taking six employees with it.

Six jobs may not sound like much, but the impact could reach tens of thousand of families across the region.

The six people fired this week serviced 33,000 families across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. 11,000 of those families are in Washington and there are concerns the cuts could run even deeper.

Edmonds College Head Start teacher Andee Hansen has dedicated her life to educating children.

Her days are usually filled with what she calls “pure joy.” Now, they are consumed by worry.

“I worry about the children not having meals, not having the quality of care that is filled with love and learning,” she says.

This week, Head Start’s Region 10 headquarters was abruptly shut down. The program offers low income families free early childhood education.

It also helps women escape domestic violence and homeless families find shelter. It is often the last safety net for desperate parents and their kids simply looking to survive.

There are 450 Head Start families in Snohomish County alone.

“If a family is worried about where they’re going to get their next meal or a roof over their heads, they’re not going to be thinking about whether their child knows the alphabet or numbers. No,” said program Executive Director Ginger Williams. “They’re in crisis mode.”

The six employees fired from the Seattle office assisted Head Start programs with everything from grant writing to child safety, teacher training and financial accountability.

The move leaves the programs with no local support.

It’s part of the Trump administrations effort to “streamline” government and make it more efficient. 

“This has real implications for Head Start children and families,” said Joel Ryan, executive director for the Washington State Association for Head Start.

Ryan said this is all straight from the Project 2025 playbook with the goal being the elimination of Head Start, entirely.

“This will have a nationwide impact on the functioning of Head Start programs,” said Ryan. “They are trying to implode Head Start from the inside. The  cuts are all to pay for Trump’s tax breaks for the wealthy.”

Ryan said Head Start has generally received bipartisan support for decades because it works.

“When kids start of ready, they are more prepared for kindergarten, they do better in school, they need fewer special education funds and are more likely to graduate high school.”

Head Start staff in Snohomish County say they were recently informed that federal Head Start administrators are expected to come to the Northwest to “monitor” their work.  

Back in Andee Hansen’s classroom, days that were once filled with fun are now tinged with fear. “I wish the people making these decisions would realize they are affecting young children and families who really need their help.”