August 17, 2026
Written by Tara Thomas, AESA Senior Government Affairs Manager
Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule that amends the Head Start Program Performance Standards to streamline the program, provide greater flexibility, and allow for more state and local control. The proposed rule represents the most substantial set of regulatory changes to the program’s governing rules since its inception 61 years ago.
The proposal would rescind more than 1,400 regulatory provisions and replace them with a “consolidated and streamlined framework” that “reduce(s) Federal bureaucratic burden, defer(s) to states whenever possible, return(s) local control to agencies and parents.” Notably, the proposal eliminates federal requirements related to group size and ratios, background checks, and transportation practices, indicating that programs would instead adhere to state requirements.
Federal officials say the proposed rule would increase the number of slots to as many as 236,000 more children and would save $2.2 billion between 2027 and 2031. This cost estimate is based, in part, on assumptions that programs would reduce staffing under the proposed rule, including eliminating bus monitors and reducing family service workers, health and mental health personnel, child development specialists, home visitors, and Head Start teachers and assistant teachers. Other estimated cost savings assume programs increase staff-to-child ratios, reduce Head Start Preschool service hours, and reduce compensation for certain non-teaching positions due to the removal of qualification requirements. The proposed rule notes that these estimates assume full implementation by 2031, and do not account for future funding increases from Congress.
The comment period is open until October 6, 2026. AESA is currently evaluating the most effective opportunities to provide feedback in coordination with our Head Start partners. We strongly encourage practitioners to submit comments detailing how these proposed changes would support or hinder their work and their ability to serve children and families in their communities.