Protect Head Start's Health & Safety Standards

What's Happening

On August 6, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed the largest overhaul of Head Start standards in the program's history. The proposal would eliminate more than 90% of the current Head Start Program Performance Standards - cutting requirements around health, mental health, safety, teacher-child ratios, and comprehensive family services. This is a proposed rule, open for public comment for 60 days, before HHS can issue a final version. The comment public comment period ends October 6, 2026.

What's at Stake
These standards are what make Head Start work. Rolling them back would mean larger class sizes and fewer teachers, the loss of required developmental screenings and health/mental health supports, weaker protections for children with disabilities, and new barriers to enrollment for families experiencing homelessness who can no longer use self-attestation to prove eligibility. It also includes an English-only instruction requirement that would end support for dual language learners in an estimated third of non-Tribal classrooms. For 60 years, Head Start has earned bipartisan trust because it delivers proven, comprehensive care, these changes put that legacy at risk.

What Action Can You Take
We've drafted a message you can send directly to your federal and state legislators, urging them to protect Head Start's core health, safety, and quality standards.

How Does Your Action Help
Public comments and direct outreach to legislators shape how HHS responds before finalizing this rule. The more officials hear from constituents who understand what's actually at stake for children and families, the stronger the case for preserving the standards that keep Head Start safe, effective, and accountable.

In short: HHS wants to cut 90%+ of Head Start's health, safety, and quality standards, bigger class sizes, fewer teachers, weaker protections for kids with disabilities, and new barriers for homeless families to enroll. Send a message urging your legislators to protect these standards before the rule is finalized.