Posted on September 23, 2026

YOUR VOICE is needed to stop proposed changes that will be devastating to the Head Start program.

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: OCTOBER 6TH

On August 7th, the federal government proposed changes to the rules governing Head Start programs, titled Renewing the Promise of Head Start for the Next Generation. This Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) would roll back changes that were proposed by the previous administration and took effect in 2024. One of the first acts of this administration at the start of their term was an attempt to defund Head Start programs. Because of a backlash across the country from Head Start staff, families, and advocates, that proposal was revoked.

Once more, YOUR VOICE is needed to ensure that these harmful changes DO NOT happen! We are asking you to comment on the proposed changes. The deadline is Oct. 6.

Here is a link to a short summary of the key changes, removals, and additions in the NPRM. These proposed changes attack basic health and safety standards, as well as remove timelines for routine health screenings, allow expulsion of children with special needs, mandate English-only instruction, and more. This will only serve to weaken Head Start, not serve more children with greater flexibility for states.

This toolkit will give you facts about Head Start, information about the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), suggested comments, and instructions on how to leave comments on the NPRM.

BACKGROUND

HEAD START BASICS

Head Start is much more than child care. It serves the whole family with resources and supports beyond high-quality early childhood education: health screenings, referrals for food/housing, lower ratios for children that need extra support in class, just to name a few. Nationwide, Head Start serves nearly 700,000 children, roughly 250,000 staff, and more than 1,600 Head Start grant recipients. In New Jersey, there are 12,388 children and 4,312 staff in 191 centers.

The “Head Start promise” is the promise that a child will be safe, healthy, and ready for school - and that families can count on high-quality support wherever they live. Local programs should have room to respond to their communities, but the basic promise should not change from one community to another.

Head Start works, and it works because of its high standards. Six decades of evidence show that Head Start improves school readiness, increases high school graduation and college enrollment, connects children to health and dental care, and produces lasting gains in adult earnings and family stability. Head Start’s results are possible because of the program standards that all programs offer high-quality and comprehensive services.
- Children who attend Head Start have better outcomes in the long run, including being more likely to graduate high school and attend college and be gainfully employed. Children who attend Head Start are less likely to need public benefit programs as adults.
For many families, Head Start is the only option. In communities across the country, and in most rural areas, Head Start is the only early learning program available. It is often the only place a family can get a developmental screening, a hearing and vision check, or a dental exam.
- In New Jersey, Head Start is often the only option for families not residing in a district receiving Preschool Expansion Aid; Many Head Start programs offer fully-funded year-round schooling, not offered by districts or other providers
The Administration proposed significant cuts to the standards that will weaken Head Start. The Administration proposed changes that, if finalized, would significantly weaken the program in three ways 1) lowering the quality standards and services that children receive 2) undermining the role of parents and 3) limiting access for children most in need of Head Start services. The proposal eliminates over 90% of the standards, including many of the services that make the program uniquely successful for children with the highest needs.

Stand for Head Start Video

READ THE OFFICIAL NOTICE (NPRM)

Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs

Federal Register Notice:Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
45 CFR Part 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304, and 1305

RIN 0970-AD30

“This NPRM proposes to rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards (Performance Standards), last revised in 2024. The proposed Performance Standards would significantly reduce Federal bureaucratic burden on programs; defer to State policies wherever possible; return substantial local control to Head Start agencies delivering the services and to parents as the primary caregivers and decision-makers for their children; reduce unnecessary duplication of Head Start regulations with Federal statute and other regulations; and emphasize the critical role of health, nutrition, and physical exercise for young children. Please submit comments on this NPRM by October 6, 2026.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Everyone can comment, both as an individual and as an organization, anonymously or by name. There is no limit on the length of comments, but it is critical that comments be sent between now and October 6.

To comment on the current Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled "Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs," submit your feedback online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal before the 60-day public comment period closes at 11:59 PM EDT on October 6, 2026. Ensure your submission references docket number ACF-2026-0595 or RIN 0970-AD30.

HOW TO COMMENT

Here is a helpful, Simple Guide to Submitting a Public Comment

Submission Options

Online: Visit the Head Start proposed rule on Regulations.gov and click the "Comment" button on the top left of the page (or top center depending on device). Follow the prompts to type or upload your text.
By Mail: Send written comments to the Office of Head Start, Attention: Director of Policy and Planning, 330 C Street SW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20201.

SAMPLE COMMENT STARTERS

Please personalize your comments and use the comment starters as suggestions only.

For child care providers (not just Head Start!)

As a provider of Head Start services/early childhood education, I am concerned that the proposed changes would weaken the clear federal standards that help programs deliver consistent, high-quality services. In my program, these standards help us [share an example].
The proposed reduction in federal requirements could create uncertainty for programs and uneven experiences for children and families. Strong standards are especially important because [describe the needs of the families or community you serve].
I am particularly concerned about changes affecting children with disabilities, dual-language learners, family engagement, and comprehensive services. These supports matter in our program because [share an example or outcome].
Head Start providers need meaningful relief from unnecessary administrative burdens, but reducing the Program Performance Standards from 122 pages to approximately 12 pages goes far beyond streamlining. I urge HHS and ACF to withdraw the proposed rule and work directly with providers, families, and experts on responsible improvements.

*Remember to personalize your comments!

For parents and family members

Head Start has supported my child and family by [describe the education, health, nutrition, disability, language, or family support your family received]. I am concerned that the proposed changes could weaken these services for future families.
My child deserves a program with strong, consistent standards, qualified staff, and appropriate support for their individual needs. Please preserve the protections that help children, including children with disabilities and dual-language learners, participate and succeed.
Head Start serves the whole family. Our program helped us with [share a personal example], and that support made a difference because [describe the impact]. These comprehensive services should remain a central part of Head Start.
Families should have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their children. I urge HHS and ACF to listen to Head Start parents and withdraw the proposed rule.

*Remember to personalize your comments!

For concerned citizens and community members

Head Start is an essential part of our community’s early childhood system. It helps children prepare for school while connecting families with health care, nutrition, developmental services, and other critical supports.
I am concerned that weakening national Head Start standards could lead to inconsistent program quality and fewer protections for children and families, depending on where they live.
Strong Head Start programs benefit entire communities by supporting children’s development, helping parents work or continue their education, employing local residents, and partnering with other community organizations.
I urge HHS and ACF to withdraw the proposed rule and engage families, providers, early childhood professionals, and community leaders in developing changes that protect Head Start’s quality and comprehensive approach.

*Remember to personalize your comments!

RESOURCES

NHSA Resources

Statements and Research

The 74: Head Start Was Built to Include Children With Disabilities. Don’t Weaken It
NIEER: The race to the bottom: What replacing Head Start ratios standards with state child care minimums will mean for children in poverty: “Three key takeaways from the data: Currently, only 12 states (24%) have child care licensing standards that meet the 1:4 staff-to-child ratio requirement set by Head Start for children ages 1-2. The vast majority allow more children per staffer; Just 4 states, or 8%, have child licensing ratios requirements equivalent to those of Head Start for two year olds, and only 3 states (6%) meeting ratio standards for two-and a half year olds; and If the Head Start ratio standards are eliminated defaulted to state child care minimums, the number of toddlers per staffer will more than double in 9 states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Nevada.”
Schoolhouse Connection: Proposed Head Start Rule Eliminates Critical Protections for Children Experiencing Homelessness
- o Proposed Head Start Rule Eliminates Critical Protections for Children Experiencing Homelessness an In-Depth SHC Analysis
CSCCE: Head Start’s False Choice: Expanding Access by Weakening the Workforce

Quick links