As the federal government shutdown continues, its consequences for schools and children are becoming clear. While many K-12 districts can keep operating for now, the ripple effects on early childhood programs, environmental health, and family well-being are already being felt.
Early childhood programs face the most acute impact. Head Start and childcare centers that rely on annual federal grants risk furloughs or closures if the shutdown lingers, which will disrupt essential services for low-income families and children with health or developmental needs. First Focus on Children warns in an issue brief that shutdowns can not only disrupt daily life for families, but undermine the long-term progress that federal programs are designed to achieve.
At the same time, a near-total furlough of staff at the Departments of Education, EPA, and CDC means that grant making, inspections, data collection, and technical assistance are largely halted. If the shutdown stretches on, progress on school infrastructure and environmental health improvements–ventilation, water quality, lead and mold remediation–will stall nationwide, with rural and under-resourced districts hit hardest.
The funding standoff centers on whether to allow the expiration of expanded federal health care premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which have helped millions afford coverage. Healthy Schools Network urges Congress to negotiate an agreement to reopen the government while protecting these health care benefits. There’s no “winner” with either a prolonged shutdown OR unaffordable health care premiums.
Other News
Congratulations Pamela Pugh! HS Network Board Member Receives Shirley Chisholm Unbought & Unbossed Award
We’re delighted to share some great news: HS Network Board Member Dr. Pamela Pugh, President of the Michigan State Board of Education and a nationally recognized advocate for public health, has been honored with a 2025 Shirley Chisholm Unbought & Unbossed Award. She received the award on September 25, 2025, during the Shirley A. Chisholm Legacy Reception, a featured event of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.
The award is named for Congresswoman Shirley A. Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and to seek a major party’s presidential nomination. It honors visionary leaders who, like their namesake, show courage and commitment to justice. At Healthy Schools Network, we’ve seen that courage and commitment time and again. We are thrilled to see Pamela win this well-deserved award. Congratulations, Pamela!
Upcoming Events
EPA: October is Children’s Health Month
Every October, EPA observes Children’s Health Month. Visit this page for information on children’s environmental health for parents and caregivers, teachers and administrators, and healthcare professionals, as well as ideas for spreading the word and activities for kids.
LDA: virtual panel How and Why to Provide Intensive Instruction to Students with SLD (October 14)
As it celebrates LD Awareness Month, the Learning Disabilities Association will host this panel focused on educational practices that help students with specific learning disabilities thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Register here.
SOPHE: National Health Education Week: October 20-24, 2025
National Health Education Week is an annual celebration that aims to increase awareness on major public health issues and promote a better understanding of the role of health education. Hosted by the Society for Public Health Education, it features events, webinars, and activities across the country.
