Encompass Community Services is deeply concerned about the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to close five of its ten regional Head Start offices, including the office that has long supported Encompass’ Head Start program in the Santa Cruz community. These closures—effective as of April 1—represent a significant and sudden shift in how Head Start is administered across the country, and they raise serious questions about how critical services for children and families will be supported moving forward. 

At Encompass, we serve over 180 young children and their families each year through our early education programs, and we rely on our federal Head Start partners to ensure those services are delivered with quality, consistency, and accountability. The regional offices provide essential oversight, training, and technical assistance that help us meet the high standards for which Head Start is known. Losing this direct support could potentially delay grant processing, disrupt compliance monitoring, and reduce access to the guidance and resources we depend on to serve our community effectively. 

We are actively monitoring the situation and are in close communication with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and our fellow Head Start providers. Our top priority remains the continuity of services for the families who count on us. We call on federal leaders to ensure that all Head Start grantees continue to receive the funding, oversight and support necessary to serve our Santa Cruz County families.   

We stand in solidarity with NHSA and the broader Head Start community in urging transparency, thoughtful transition planning, and continued investment in the infrastructure that supports early learning nationwide. This abrupt closure will deeply impact both our organization and our community for years to come. 

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