Reach Dane

10/21/2026

More than 40,000 comments were submitted on the proposed federal rule to roll back Head Start standards. Parents, teachers, and partners read it, questioned it, and told their stories on the public record.

Thank you for showing up. The work continues, and we will keep you informed at every step.

10/12/2026

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we acknowledge that the communities we serve in Dane and Green Counties are on the ancestral homeland of the Ho-Chunk Nation. The Ho-Chunk have cared for this land since time immemorial, and they are still here.

We are grateful to work, teach, and raise families on this land, and we commit to honoring its history in how we serve our community.

09/29/2026

📢 Head Start is facing major proposed changes, and your voice matters.

The federal government has proposed cutting about 80% of the rules that currently guide Head Start programs nationwide, including staff-to-child ratio protections, health and safety requirements, and parent involvement structures.

The public comment period is open now through October 6. This is your chance to speak up for the standards that keep kids safe and programs strong.

🗣️ Submit a comment: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ACF-2026-0595-0001

09/18/2026

Join us in Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA)’s 20-day comment challenge!

Today kicks off WHSA's 20-Day Comment Challenge. One prompt a day, now through October 6, to help you submit effective public comments on the proposed rule that would eliminate most of the Head Start Program Performance Standards. These aren't social media comments, they're added directly to the Federal Register through our action alert.

Day 1 is the easy one: introduce yourself. In two or three sentences, say what you do in relation to Head Start, how long you've been connected to it, and why this proposal affects you.

👉 Add your comment: https://takeaction.io/whsaonline/public-comment-challenge-your-comment-matters/

📖 Today's full prompt: https://whsaonline.org/2026/09/day-1-introduce-yourself/

🗓️ See the full challenge: https://whsaonline.org/comment-challenge/

Comments are due October 6, and every one becomes part of the official record HHS has to read before this rule can be finalized.

09/04/2026

There's more than one way to be part of the Reach Dane family. 💚

1️⃣ Board Member — Board seats are open now for parents, professionals, and community advocates. A few hours a month, no prior experience required.

2️⃣ Volunteer — Flexible opportunities to support our classrooms, events, and families. No experience necessary.

3️⃣ Work With Us — Full and part-time roles across education, family services, and administration.

Swipe through to see where you fit, then head over to our website: www.reachdane.org

08/31/2026

🌿 Did you know?

Our South Madison site on Latham Drive brings the beauty of nature into the classroom! 🌱

From nature-inspired spaces to opportunities to explore the world around them, nature is at the heart of learning at South Madison. We believe children learn best when they have the chance to wonder, explore, get curious, and connect with the natural world. 🐛🌻🌳

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

Yesterday’s open house at Union Corners was pure joy. 🎉 Free backpacks, face painting, and a whole lot of playing and laughing with the families we’re so lucky to serve. Thank you to our community partners for making the backpack drive happen again this year.

This is community in action! We can’t wait for the school year to begin! ❤️📚🎓✏️

08/21/2026

At Reach Dane, this is our work every single day. Thank you, Governor, for standing up for Dane County's youngest learners.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/4256dcc?fbclid=IwY2xjawT1ZuFwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTJwdEtCSXVjT2N4NWdhSWlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEecM1nP-wLVUxNVnrXTVBvvSO9hPITcZF9SakVSzBS1PL-5WUAZannQxtCigo_aem_DCP3cQ433AUScQqfzqOFwQ

08/21/2026

Ever thought about serving on a nonprofit board? 🤔 Reach Dane's Board of Directors has open seats, and it takes just a few hours a month to help shape the future of early childhood education and family support in Dane County. Parents, professionals, community advocates — all welcome, no prior experience needed.

https://www.reachdane.org/support/volunteer_survey-form.cfm

Board seats are open now. Apply today — link in bio.