FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, VA — After being postponed in August, the Hopkins House Community Stakeholders gathered on October 27 for the organization’s 2025 Annual Meeting. The meeting featured reports on Hopkins House’s finances, programs, and progress and challenges over the past year, including a detailed report from President and CEO J. Glenn Hopkins addressing the growing impact of the federal government shutdown and related economic conditions on the Hopkins House community.
Expanding on previous comments, Hopkins explained that the combination of federal furloughs, workforce reductions, and heightened immigration enforcement, along with the broader political climate, has begun to affect both families and staff. Growing numbers of Preschool Academy parents who are federal employees or contractors have reported financial and emotional stress caused by missed paychecks, job uncertainty, and threats of layoffs or terminations.
“This period is causing anxiety not just among parents, but among members of our team as well,” said Hopkins. “Some Hopkins House educators and support personnel are themselves foreign born, and many have expressed concerns about their families’ safety, financial stability, and future in the United States.”
Hopkins House leadership is taking proactive steps to provide reassurance, communication, and access to support resources for those affected. Policies are in place to help guide staff and parents in responding to immigration and customs enforcement actions, ensuring that families have clear procedures to follow should such situations arise.
These developments mirror the 2018 government shutdown, when extended furloughs and missed pay periods led to temporary declines in enrollment and inconsistent daily attendance — particularly among children from foreign-born households. Similar patterns are now being reported across the region, with other childcare providers experiencing enrollment fluctuations and heightened family anxiety.
To safeguard its community, Hopkins House management is reviewing successful response measures from 2018, including emergency scholarship assistance for families facing temporary income loss and a flexible attendance policy designed to help parents maintain their child’s enrollment during financial hardship.
The Preschool Academy Parents Councils are also playing a vital role in communicating with families and reinforcing the message that Hopkins House stands with them.
“Hopkins House has weathered challenging times before,” Hopkins said to the gathered Community Stakeholders. “Our commitment to our young scholars, families, and educators who make up this community remains unswerving. Together, we’ll ensure that the quality of our programs and services continues to reflect our shared values of opportunity, compassion, and excellence.”
