In early August, early childhood education advocates sounded the alarm that Head Start was facing its greatest threat in decades.
The federal government proposed significant changes to Head Start that would affect class sizes, staffing standards, support for children with disabilities, and more. These changes would impact approximately 700,000 children and families who benefit from this program and make access to Head Start more challenging.
In a little over two months since these proposed changes were announced, an incredible 40,087 public comments were posted in response. This sends a message loud and clear: our communities depend on Head Start. Backed by more than 60 years of proven success, Head Start provides quality, comprehensive care and education that has lasting impact for children, families, and communities.
Thank you to every educator, parent, and concerned community member who took the time to share their story and speak up on behalf of Head Start. Your voice matters!
Trying Together submitted a public comment in strong opposition to the proposed changes, encouraging the Department of Health and Human Services to withdraw the proposal in its entirety and preserve the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Our Response
We invite you to read our full comments. Here are some highlights that demonstrate why we are opposed to the proposed changes:
- The proposed changes diminish the quality and safety of the programs and wither the trust and security of families.
- Making such sweeping changes to the Head Start program without adequately consulting with Head Start families, program leaders, local governments, or experts, demonstrates an alarming lack of concern for people who will be most impacted by the Proposed Rule.
- Larger class sizes would:
- Result in fewer adult-child interactions and less individualized attention.
- Increase safety risks
- Worsen working conditions for early educators.
- Children with disabilities would have fewer federal protections.
- Some families would experience new barriers to access.
- Fewer consistent comprehensive health requirements means delays in health and developmental screenings, health disparities, and inconsistent information and support for families.
- The health of pregnant women would be undermined and existing inequities exacerbated
- Early Head Start home visiting services would be reduced in quality and scope.
- Dual language learners would lose multilingual support with English-only requirements.
- There would be less consistency from community to community.
Before any action is taken, all substantive comments must be reviewed. Check back for more information.
