GEEARS Responds to Proposed Changes to Head Start Standards
On August 7th, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs. An NPRM is the formal process federal agencies use to propose changes to regulations and gather public feedback before issuing a final rule. The public comment period closed on October 6th. Informed by our 16 years in Georgia’s early childhood ecosystem and direct feedback from Head Start leaders across Georgia, who shared how the proposed changes could affect their programs and communities, GEEARS submitted a comment letter outlining our feedback on the proposed changes.
The proposal would make sweeping changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, including eliminating federal teacher-child ratio and group-size requirements; reducing requirements related to health, mental health, developmental screening, family engagement, and services for children with disabilities; requiring educational instruction to be conducted in English; removing limitations on suspension and expulsion; and reducing the allowable administrative cost cap from 15 percent to 5 percent.
GEEARS supports efforts to reduce unnecessary administrative burden, eliminate duplicative requirements, and give local Head Start programs appropriate flexibility. However, streamlining should make it easier for programs to serve children and families—not weaken the quality and comprehensive services that have long distinguished Head Start. Our comments highlight areas where the proposed changes could have significant consequences for Georgia children, families, educators, and programs.
We are grateful to the Georgia Head Start Association and the many providers, families, partners, and advocates who shared their expertise, submitted public comments, contacted policymakers, and spoke up for a strong Head Start program throughout the comment period.