Head Start is facing its greatest threat in decades. We need your help.
On August 7, the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that, if enacted as a final rule, would roll back the Head Start Program Performance Standards and replace them with a much shorter version. The proposed changes remove most requirements related to teaching and learning, quality standards, health and mental health services, dental care, developmental screenings, and family support services; the evidence-based standards that have made the program a bipartisan success for more than 60 years.
On Tuesday, September 15, advocates will be on the ground in Washington, D.C., meeting with members of Congress to defend Head Start. But you don’t have to be there in person to make your voice heard. Wherever you are, your voice matters.
This is Pennsylvania’s “Can’t Make the Trip? Make the Call.” day of action. We need supporters from across the Commonwealth to call their representatives from home. Your call sends a powerful message that Head Start supporters will not stay silent.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Find your members of Congress. Look up your Representative and Senators using the online tool. It only takes a minute.
- Call their D.C. offices. Use the simple script below to urge them to protect Head Start.
- Spread the word. Share this email with three family members or friends and ask them to make the call.
Talking points for your call:
- Head Start is a lifeline for more than 30,000 children in Pennsylvania, providing not just early education, but also nutritious meals, health screenings, and vital family support.
- HHS’s proposed rule would strip away the quality standards that make Head Start the gold standard:
- eliminating critical mental health services and supports for children and families;
- increasing class sizes and reduce a teacher’s ability to provide individualized care and education by allowing 33% more children per teacher; and
- reducing the number of teachers, home visitors, and support staff, creating a more stressful and less effective environment for learning.
- It’s essential that Congress protect Head Start. Families depend on this program to keep their children safe and to be able to work.
Every call counts. Let’s make sure Congress hears us loud and clear.
Call-In Script
For Your U.S. House Representative
“Hello, my name is [Your Full Name] and I’m a constituent from [Your address].
I’m calling to urge Representative [Last Name] to protect Head Start from proposed cuts and rollbacks to its quality standards.
Head Start is a lifeline for children right here in our community. It provides safe, nurturing early learning environments, nutritious meals, and access to health and family support. These proposed changes would weaken the mental health services and support systems that help children and their families thrive.
I’m asking Representative [Last Name] to stand with working families and oppose any effort to weaken this essential program. Can we count on their support?
Thank you for your time.”
For Your U.S. Senators
“Hello, my name is [Your Full Name] and I’m a constituent from [Your address].
I’m calling to urge Senator [Last Name] to protect Head Start from proposed cuts and rollbacks to its quality standards.
This program is a vital support system for over 30,000 families and children across the state. These standards are what make Head Start the gold standard for early learning and comprehensive family support and weakening them would harm children and their families for years to come.
I urge Senator [Last Name] to protect Head Start and ensure its high standards remain in place.
Thank you for your consideration.”
