Central Texas Head Start program serving 500+ families faces a potential shutdown as federal funding crisis looms

TEMPLE, Texas — A beloved early childhood education program that has served Central Texas families for half a century is now facing an uncertain future as federal funding hangs in the balance .

Central Texas 4C Head Start, which provides comprehensive early childhood services to more than 500 families across Bell County, is funded through the end of December, but with their Jan. 1 grant renewal date fast approaching and no guarantee of continued federal support, staff and families are growing increasingly anxious.

The local concern reflects a nationwide crisis. Head Start programs with October and November grant start dates have already been forced to close their doors across the nation, leaving approximately 65,000 children without services.

"We're good through the end of December, b