Official Statement: The Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Yesterday, the federal administration released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) containing major potential revisions to the Head Start Program Performance Standards. As we comb through this complex document, we at GEEARS are laser-focused on assessing the potential impacts on the children and families who benefit from this robust program with over six decades of bipartisan support.  

We are actively collaborating with our core partners, including Head Start providers, to process concerns and develop our advocacy strategy. 

“The proposed changes are especially important in Georgia, where Head Start is a key component of our early childhood infrastructure. More than 20,000 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are served at nearly 400 sites across the state,” says GEEARS’ CEO, Kristin Bernhard. “In rural communities, specifically, Head Start accounts for more than one in four child care slots, making the program an essential resource for families. Beyond its impact on children, Head Start is also a major employer, supporting more than 6,000 jobs throughout Georgia. Any changes to the program may have far-reaching implications, not only for children and families, but for local economies and communities across the state.” 

Our approach will aim to ensure that: 

• The program can continue its commitment to the research-backed elements that have made Head Start a comprehensive initiative, one that supports the whole child and family by combining education with health, nutrition, and family supports.  

• Head Start continues to be able to serve all eligible families with high-quality early childhood services. 

• Efforts to streamline compliance and reduce unnecessary administrative burden preserve meaningful accountability and protect the high-quality services and positive outcomes that Head Start has delivered for decades. 

• Efforts to expand the number of children served do not come at the expense of the breadth, quality, and comprehensive nature of Head Start’s services.  

An NPRM is the formal process federal agencies use to propose changes to regulations. The public has 60 days, until October 6th, 2026, to submit comments before the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). After the comment period closes, HHS will review the feedback before issuing a final rule. Until that rule is issued, nothing will change for Head Start programs or the children and families they serve. 

Please stay tuned as GEEARS makes the most of this 60-day comment period. We’ll continue reviewing the NPRM, strategize and advocate with our partners and Head Start grantees, and rally your support as we work to maintain Head Start’s “gold standard” for young children, or as one South Georgia parent described it, a “godsend” and “the best decision I could have ever done for [my children] and me.” Keep your eyes out for advocacy opportunities from GEEARS that will help you engage on this issue.