Due to a federal funding lapse, the Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency closed its free preschool program in Michigan, affecting 85 students and 30 Early Head Start families. This is the only one of nine impacted Michigan Head Start programs unable to secure alternative funds. Head Start programs, vital for low-income preschoolers, face significant risks, with Gogebic-Ontonagon being Michigan’s only confirmed closure since November 1, though others are at risk. Statewide, 48 Head Start programs serve nearly 30,000 children, with many facing grant expirations, creating widespread uncertainty.