MEDFORD, Ore. — Southern Oregon Head Start is facing a critical funding crisis that could force it to shut down half of its operations this Friday, with a complete closure looming by April 18 unless frozen federal funds are released. The situation has left 917 children and 367 staff members at risk, and program leaders are urgently seeking answers from the federal government as they struggle to navigate the uncertain financial landscape.
Peter Buckley, former state representative and member of the Oregon Early Learning Council, has been closely involved with the crisis. He described the impending shutdown as a “dire, dire circumstance” for families with young children. The program, which provides early childhood education and essential services such as health and dental screenings, nutrition programs, and family support, has become a lifeline for many in the region.
However, for several weeks, Southern Oregon Head Start has been operating solely on state funds, which are now exhausted. The organization was expecting a disbursement of federal funds, which had already been appropriated by Congress. But these funds have been inexplicably withheld, leaving the future of the program hanging in the balance.
“The lack of communication and explanation from the federal government is unprecedented,” Buckley said. “We need to find out who is responsible for holding up these funds and push to have them released immediately.”
As the deadline for the release of the funds draws near, Head Start leaders have been unable to obtain any clarification from federal authorities. Despite their efforts to contact relevant agencies, they have received no response. Buckley has also reached out to the offices of Congressman Cliff Bentz and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, urging them to intervene and help resolve the situation.
With waiting lists for other local childcare facilities already in place, the closure of Southern Oregon Head Start could leave families with few, if any, alternatives for their children. For many parents, the program’s closure would create significant barriers to work or school, further complicating an already challenging economic environment.
Buckley remains hopeful that the issue is a result of an administrative error, perhaps linked to ongoing restructuring within federal departments. He believes that a swift resolution is possible, describing the process as a “flick of a switch” once the responsible parties are identified.
“We have to find out who’s holding up the funds and get them released so this important program can continue its work,” Buckley emphasized.
In contrast, Klamath Family Head Start, which serves Klamath and Lake counties, reassured families last Friday that their grant funding and services remain unaffected by the regional office changes, at least for this year.
As Southern Oregon Head Start waits for federal action, families and staff are left uncertain about what the future holds. The community is calling for immediate intervention to prevent the loss of critical services that so many depend on.