About Parents Unite
Parents Unite is a nationwide movement empowering Head Start parents and caregivers to raise their voices for their children, their communities and the future of Head Start. Led by the National Head Start Association (NHSA) in partnership with the state and regional associations, Parents Unite works to ensure parents’ voices are heard when decisions are made that affect Head Start and the communities it serves.
The movement officially launches in April 2026, when parents and caregivers across the country will speak directly with their members of Congress in Washington, D.C., and in their home states. But April is only the beginning. Parents Unite is building a nationwide network of parent leaders who will continue organizing, speaking out, and working together to protect and strengthen Head Start through 2027 and beyond.
Why Parents’ Voices Matter
Decisions made in Washington, D.C. and in state capitols shape the future of Head Start. Lawmakers need to hear directly from families who see its impact every day.
Parents Unite provides parents with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to share their child’s story and explain how Head Start supports healthy development, school readiness, family stability, and opportunity, in communities across the country.
How Parents Unite Builds Advocacy Power
Through training opportunities provided by NHSA’s Leadership Academy, Head Start State and Regional Associations, and partner organizations, along with informational Zoom meetings and local activities, participants will connect with one another and strengthen their leadership and organizing skills.
Together, parents nationally will build momentum toward April 2026, when they meet with members of Congress both locally at state offices and in Washington, D.C. – launching a growing movement of parent advocates who will continue working together to strengthen Head Start in 2027 and beyond.
During Parents Unite April 2026 there will be:
- Local district meetings: Parents and caregivers across the country will meet with their U.S. Congressional Representatives at their local district offices in April, ensuring a strong presence in all 50 states.
- A Washington, DC fly-in (April 21-23, 2026): A select group of parent advocates will travel to Washington, D.C., from April 21-23, 2026, to meet directly with their congressional leaders on Capitol Hill.
Open to All Caregivers
After careful consideration, the campaign has chosen to use the brand “Parents Unite” because of the impact that the word Parents has in people’s minds. We want to be clear that all the people who are the caregivers of Head Start children are invited to be a part of Parent Unite. This includes foster parents, grand parents, older siblings, etc.
This site will be updated regularly as the Parents Unite campaign moves forward, and more details will be shared as time goes on. Make sure you’re signed up for email updates.