Head Start, the federal program that provides early childhood education, health, and food support to low-income families, has begun to close due to a lack of funding caused by the government shutdown.

Approximately 134 programs in 41 states and Puerto Rico Head Start programs in the United States will no longer have funding to operate starting this Saturday, affecting nearly 65,000 children, or 10% of all children enrolled in Head Start, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) said in a statement. The NHSA is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to making the Head Start promise a reality: that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life. Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Ohio could be the hardest hit states, potentially impacting more than 24,000 children and over 7,500 staff members, according to NHSA data. The closure of Head Start programs could mean that children under 6 years old lose access to preschool, health services, and other support. Families could lose access to affordable childcare services that allow parents to work, study, or receive job training. The Head Start program is funded through grants awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services to churches, community centers, and other recipient organizations that provide services to low-income families. “The children and families who participate in Head Start are among the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the National Head Start Association, in an interview with PBS NewsHour. “We’re talking about families with incomes below the federal poverty line, who are homeless, in the foster care system, or receiving food assistance. Head Start has undoubtedly been a springboard to success for millions of children and families across the United States throughout its 60-year history.”“We are terrified of what could happen if the government shutdown continues,” Sheridan said. Sheridan stated that not all 134 affected programs will close in November. Some are contacting state and local leaders, and others are seeking funding from private organizations, which could cover costs for a short period. Others already have funding allocated for longer periods, which will allow them to continue providing services beyond November 1.