Proposal to Eliminate Head Start Rules in Favor of State Rules

According to NAEYC, on August 7, 2026, the Administration released a proposal to eliminate most of the critical program performance standards supporting health, safety, and quality within Head Start — standards governing everything from staff-child ratios and group sizes, staff qualifications, educator well-being, and children and families‘ access to comprehensive services and supports. In their place, the proposal would largely defer to state licensing requirements, which in many states are less protective than current federal standards. We may comment on that proposal through October 6, 2026, and the Department of Education must consider all comments filed by then. All the Performance Standards would go, although the Statutory requirements, such as core eligibility rules and background checks would remain. Where State regulations don’t meet the quality standards now in Head Starts, program quality would be hurt. No quality coaching, no guaranteed breaks, etc. NAEYC suggests that you:

• Read NAEYC's Statement on Administration’s Proposal Weakening Head Start
• New to public comments? Read NAEYC's Understanding Federal Rulemaking for a quick primer on how the process works
• Use NAEYC's comment guide to write and submit an effective public comment before October 6, 2026
• Submit your comment on FederalRegister.gov by October 6, 2026

Early Childhood Programs Are on the Table

As mentioned in previous newsletters, Congressional leaders are finalizing funding priorities for FY 2027, including key programs that early childhood education depends on: CCDBG, Head Start, PDG B-5, CCAMPIS, and IDEA early intervention. NAEYC and our partners are making the case on Capitol Hill. Please contact your Representatives and Senators to make our case for better quality, more accessible and fully financed child care and early education for all America’s Children.