Head Start Update

On August 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), titled Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs. The proposal would recond and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards, which govern the operation, administration, and delivery of Head Start and Early Head Start services. 

HHS states that the proposed changes are intended to reduce administrative requirements, increase state and local flexibility, and streamline program operations.  Head Start programs and early childhood education advocates have raised concerns about the proposed changes' potential effects on program quality, accountability, and services for children and families. 

The public comment period closed on October 6, 2026. More than 40,000 comments were submitted nationwide. EveryChild California also submitted a 16-page response. 

What happens next?

HHS must review the public comments and respond to significant issues raised before issuing a final rule. The agency may revise the proposal, issue a final rule, or withdraw it. There is no required deadline for completing this process, and the National Head Start Association notes that it will likely take several months at a minimum. Until HHS completes the process and publishes a final rule, the current Head Start Program Performance Standards remain in effect. Programs should not make operational or budget decisions based solely on the proposed rule.

The proposal has also received significant congressional attention. A joint letter signed by 190 members of Congress called on HHS to withdraw the proposal. Individual lawmakers from both parties have also submitted comments or requested revisions, reflecting broad concern about the proposal’s potential effects on children, families, and local programs.

What can members do now? 

While the formal comment period has ended, continued engagement remains important. EveryChild California encourages members to:

• Stay informed through Head Start California and the National Head Start Association’s rulemaking resources.

• Contact their U.S. representative and U.S. senators to share how the proposed changes could affect local programs, educators, children, and families.

• Continue documenting real-world examples of how federal Head Start standards support program quality, safety, workforce stability, and comprehensive services.

• Share emerging concerns and implementation questions with EveryChild California so that the field’s experiences can inform ongoing advocacy.

The strong public response demonstrates the importance of including providers, educators, families, and advocates in decisions affecting Head Start. EveryChild California will continue to monitor the rulemaking process and share updates as new information becomes available.

As the federal rulemaking process moves forward, continued engagement from California’s early care and education community will be essential. The significant response to the proposed changes demonstrates the importance of ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of Head Start providers, educators, families, and advocates are reflected in federal policymaking. EveryChild California encourages stakeholders to remain informed about developments, communicate with their congressional representatives, and continue advocating for policies that support both program sustainability and high-quality early learning opportunities. We will continue monitoring the rulemaking process and sharing updates as additional information becomes available.