Federal changes to the Head Start program could be announced as soon as this week, raising concerns among educators and elected officials about the future of the decades-old initiative designed to provide early learning opportunities for children and help combat poverty.

Democrats are sounding the alarm over reports that the Trump administration may significantly alter the federal program. More than 50,000 children in New York are currently enrolled in Head Start.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration's approach, saying, "the gutting of Head Start is the Trump administration's disastrous approach to government laid bare."

Gov. Kathy Hochul also expressed concern about the program's future.

"While here in New York, we're prioritizing our youngest, giving them a head start and a better life," Hochul said. "We literally have the Trump administration talk about eviscerating the longstanding, wildly successful nonpartisan Head Start program."

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has said an announcement regarding Head Start will take place this week. However, the agency pushed back against claims that the program is being dismantled, posting on X that the Trump administration is "strengthening, not gutting, Head Start."

Dr. Jerry Kornbluth, a veteran educator and consultant, said he has seen firsthand the impact the program has had since its creation.

"I was around in 1965 when Head Start first began," Kornbluth said. "As an educator, you have to be supportive of programs like this."

Kornbluth said the program has benefited New York children for decades. While New York has invested heavily in child care affordability, access and early education programs, he said federal funding cuts or regulatory changes could still have significant consequences.

"When you have state governments that are supportive of these kinds of programs, it makes it much easier," Kornbluth said. "But the question is, it costs money and where is that money going to come from?"

As officials await details from the federal government, questions remain about what any changes to Head Start could mean for children and families across New York.