NPRM Proposes Major Changes to Head Start and Comments Due October 6
On August 7, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs. In advance of the NPRM’s release, ACF highlighted key components of the NPRM as empowering Head Start parents; emphasizing health, nutrition, and physical exercise; increasing access to Head Start slots by reducing administrative costs, and aligning licensing standards with state early childhood systems.
The proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (Performance Standards) could have major impacts on Head Start programs, families, and staff. In addition to the National Head Start Association (NHSA), many national organizations have begun to review and take a position on the changes outlined in the NPRM. Below is a sampling of recent articles or statements from thought leaders, and there will most likely be more.
First Five Years Fund – State of Play: The Head Start NPRMs (Rules and Regulation Changes)
NAEYC –NAEYC Statement on Administration’s Proposal Weakening Head Start
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) – NAFCC Statement on Changes to the Head Start Program
NIEER - Statement on proposed Head Start deregulation from NIEER Director Steven Barnett
Start Early - Start Early Opposes Proposed Changes to Head Start That Would Put Decades of Progress for Children and Families at Risk
Zero to Three – Early Childhood Leaders Sound the Alarm: Babies Can’t Afford Weaker Head Start Standards
While learning from these and other national organizations will be helpful and may provide additional resources (e.g., advocacy support), we strongly encourage Head Start grantees to conduct a thorough review of the NPRM themselves. Consider, how would the proposed changes to the Performance Standards affect your agency, Head Start program, children, families, and staff?
Public comments on the NPRM are due by October 6, 2026. As of today, just three days after the NPRM was published, hundreds of public comments have already been submitted in the Federal Register. It is vital that Head Start programs and other stakeholders submit comments. To submit a comment, go to the NPRM and click the box for Submit a Public Comment. Note that you can enter comments directly into the submission form and/or upload supporting documents. Comments may be submitted on behalf of an individual, organization, or anonymously.
In the coming weeks, we will share additional guidance and our perspectives regarding the NPRM and its potential impact on Head Start programs, staff, children, and families. In the meantime, please be in touch if your program is in need of assistance.
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