What is happening?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a major rewrite of the national standards that guide how Head Start and Early Head Start programs operate and provide education, health, nutrition, disability, family, and other comprehensive services.
Nothing has changed today. This is a proposed rule, not a final rule. Current Head Start standards remain in effect, AVANCE programs remain open, and families should continue to enroll and participate
What would the proposal do?
The proposed rule would reduce federal requirements and remove or change many national standards that shape what children and families receive through Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
- Compromises classroom quality and safety by relying more heavily on state or local requirements and removing most existing Head Start requirements for ratios, group sizes, curriculum, staffing, supervision, transportation, suspension, and expulsion.
- Creates barriers for dual-language learners and home-language support by requiring non-Tribal programs to conduct all education to children in English and removing standards that support home languages alongside English.
- Weakens comprehensive services by removing detailed requirements for health, developmental, disability, maternal and infant, and home-visiting services.
- Limits family voice and access by reducing requirements for family engagement and parent participation and changing eligibility procedures that could create barriers for some families.
- Reduces program capacity by lowering the allowable administrative cost limit from 15% to 5%.
How can you help?
Submit a Public Comment
Submit a public comment by October 6, 2026.
Anyone can comment. You don’t need to be a policy expert. A short, personal comment can help HHS understand what Head Start makes possible and what the proposed changes could mean in practice.
Language note: You may write your comment in the language you prefer. Comments written in a language other than English should include an English translation alongside the original comment to help ensure HHS can fully review and consider it.
Important privacy reminder:
Comments and the submitter's identity may be posted publicly. Do not include private, confidential, or identifying information. Participation is voluntary, and AVANCE employees commenting personally should not imply that they speak for AVANCE.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
Additional Resources
Already left a comment?
Spread the news
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Follow us on social media and help speak up for Head Start.
What is happening?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a major rewrite of the national standards that guide how Head Start and Early Head Start programs operate and provide education, health, nutrition, disability, family, and other comprehensive services.
Nothing has changed today. This is a proposed rule, not a final rule. Current Head Start standards remain in effect, AVANCE programs remain open, and families should continue to enroll and participate
How can you help?
Submit a Public Comment
Submit a public comment by
October 6, 2026.
Anyone can comment. You don’t need to be a policy expert. A short, personal comment can help HHS understand what Head Start makes possible and what the proposed changes could mean in practice.
Language note: You may write your comment in the language you prefer. Comments written in a language other than English should include an English translation alongside the original comment to help ensure HHS can fully review and consider it.
Important privacy reminder:
Comments and the submitter's identity may be posted publicly.
Do not include private, confidential, or identifying information. Participation is voluntary, and AVANCE employees commenting personally should not imply that they speak for AVANCE.
Step-by-step submission instructions
Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM)
Additional Resources
Already left a comment?
Spread the news
on social media
Follow us on social media and help speak up for Head Start.