The National Head Start Association is working with state associations to create fact sheets and success stories that describe the need for increased federal funding to replace American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money distributed since last year.

Last year, the federal Head Start and Early Head Start program received a total of $2.1 billion in ARRA funds and an addition $234.8 million in fiscal year 2009 appropriations. Head Start is currently embroiled in tough negotiations with lawmakers on the fiscal year 2011 appropriation, specifically about the inclusion of funds to replace ARRA expansion funds.

NHSA said these funds are needed to prevent cuts to staff and the denial of Head Start and Early Head Start services to more than 60,000 children and their families.

"We simply can’t leave any stone unturned or miss any opportunity in this effort," wrote NHSA during a recent communique to members.

NHSA added that the fact sheets being created with the help of state associations aim to describe the impacts of the expansion funds across the country, adding that the data collection so far has been positive but that  "additional persuasive information" is needed to aid lobbying efforts. As a result, NHSA is seeking Head Start success stories described as "something that you were able to do specifically because of the ARRA expansion funds. These stories could include a parent who became employed after their child was able to enroll in Head Start or a staff member who otherwise would not have a job or the astounding growth of a particular child. All of these stories will strongly add to our existing data."

Submissions can be made via each state Head Start Association director or directly to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .