Firefly Leaders Join Iowa Delegation at NHSA Fall Leadership Institute to Protect Early Head Start Funding
On the left, Kimberly Kolakowski, Executive Director, stands with Juan Martinez, Parent Educator, beside the Early Head Start 60 Years logo at the Fall Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 16, 2025 — Ten representatives from Iowa are in Washington this week for the National Head Start Association’s (NHSA) Fall Leadership Institute, a pivotal gathering focused on early childhood policy and advocacy. Among them are two leaders from Council Bluffs-based Firefly Early Head Start: Kimberly Kolakowski, Executive Director, and Juana Martinez, Parent Educator.
Kolakowski and Martinez have joined their Iowa peers to advocate directly with members of Congress, pressing lawmakers to maintain and strengthen funding for Early Head Start programs. Their efforts reflect Head Start’s core mission: to help low-income children prepare for kindergarten and succeed in life by providing comprehensive early learning, health, nutrition, and family support services, with a vision for every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Early Head Start isn’t optional—it’s foundational,” said Kolakowski. “For the Iowa families we serve through Firefly, every dollar matters, every child’s opportunity counts.”
Martinez added, “I speak for the parents who send their infants to our program: these services change lives. Without Early Head Start, many children would be left behind before they even begin.”
The NHSA Fall Leadership Institute, held September 15–18, brings together program leaders, educators, and parents from across the nation to engage with federal decision-makers. The event comes just weeks before current federal funding for Head Start is set to expire, making this year’s advocacy especially urgent.
Firefly’s participation highlights the importance of ensuring that every eligible child in Iowa has access to Early Head Start. In addition to lobbying lawmakers, Kolakowski and Martinez are sharing local stories of how the program supports family stability, child development, and school readiness across western Iowa.
The Iowa delegation’s presence in Washington reflects the state’s strong commitment to protecting one of the most effective and proven programs for young children.
For more information about Firefly’s Early Head Start program or to learn how to support local advocacy efforts, please contact Kimberly Kolakowski, Firefly.
