Juan Ciscomani

05/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2025 10:33

Ciscomani Reiterates His Commitment to Protecting Head Start Programs

Eloy, AZ - U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, a longtime advocate for Head Start, visited the Pinal Gila Community Child Services Inc. (PGCCS) in Eloy to reiterate his support of this critical program and opposition to funding reductions that would jeopardize access to early childhood education for families in need. 

Ciscomani delivered remarks at the Arizona Head Start Association Seminar, toured the Eloy facility, and discussed his efforts in Congress to strengthen the childcare workforce and expand access to Head Start. 
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"Education is a pillar of the American Dream. With 22 Head Start programs across 500 locations in Arizona, these programs are critical to the well-being of our families and students," Ciscomani told workers and educators in attendance. "As a dad of six, I see firsthand the critical role early learning and development programs, like Head Start, play for children. I want to ensure that more children have the opportunity to attend these programs to build a strong foundation for their lives. Rather than reducing funding, I support investing more and expanding access to Head Start. As the only appropriator for the state of Arizona I plan to continue supporting full funding for these vital programs."
As Arizona's sole appropriator, Ciscomani secured a $25 million increase in funding for Head Start in the FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill and will continue to champion that effort as the Committee crafts its FY26 budget.
In January 2025, Ciscomani reintroduced the Head Start Education and Development Workforce Advancement and Yield (HEADWAY) Act (H.R. 336) to address the childcare workforce shortage by allowing teachers in Early Head Start to teach while simultaneously earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. This would offer greater hiring flexibility for Head Start while at the same time supporting educators and expanding access to these much-needed programs.
This is the third Head Start facility Ciscomani has visited in his time in Congress. In December 2023, Ciscomani visitedthe Head Start program in Tucson and in August 2024, Ciscomani visited the Head Start program in Casa Grande. In September 2024, Ciscomani attendedthe Head Start on the Hill Rally to hear from educators and senior Head Start officials about the importance of early childhood development programs. 
Background:
  • In March 2025, Ciscomani co-led the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act (H.R. 1827) and the Child Care Workforce Act (H.R. 1826), a bicameral, bipartisan effort to make childcare more affordable and accessible by strengthening existing child tax credits and increasing the supply of childcare providers.
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