Nicole Philbin, executive director of the Children's Learning Center (CLC), told town and county officials April 28 that state underfunding of early‑childhood special education and potential federal Head Start reductions pose immediate risks to services for vulnerable children.

CLC is the county’s sole provider of Early Start and Head Start programming and delivers early intervention and special education services for Teton and Sublette counties. Philbin said recent state changes — including a move of the child‑count date from December to May — produced some technical gains but that a proposed increase in the per‑child funding rate did not reach providers because it failed to pass a supplemental budget amendment.

"That funding increase did not end up coming to be," Philbin said, explaining the program remains underfunded for children who require high‑intensity services, such as certified teachers for visually impaired children and mobility specialists. She cited a consultant’s statewide estimate of an average funding gap of about $5,900 per child and said CLC’s reserves had been depleted by chronic underfunding.

Philbin also warned that ongoing federal budget proposals could eliminate Head Start funding nationally. "That would mean an immediate $1.3 million loss in funding for the Children's Learning Center," she said, noting Head Start provides wraparound services including parent education and mental‑health supports for the county’s most vulnerable families.

Councilors and commissioners expressed concern and appreciation. Officials asked about opportunities and greatest needs; Philbin said CLC is exploring ways to diversify revenue and leverage non‑governmental streams, but she said any substantial federal or state cut would force program changes. Presenters asked town and county staff to consider an increased local allocation in light of state and federal uncertainty.

Ending: CLC invited follow‑up questions and said it will continue seeking grants and partnerships to sustain services for at‑risk children while notifying local funders of potential federal and state reductions.