Trump Administration Proposes Major Rollback of Head Start Rules

The plan would shift authority and funding toward states and could weaken long-standing standards that ensure teacher qualifications, small class sizes and disability screening.

Overview

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs published a proposed rule on Monday that would remove many federal Head Start performance standards and begin a 60-day public comment period.
The proposal signals possible elimination or loosening of rules on student-to-teacher ratios, minimum teacher qualifications, disability screening, nondiscrimination requirements and bans on expulsions, and it mentions shifting funding or authority to states and local programs.
Local Head Start providers say programs will continue to operate under current rules and are urging families to keep enrolling children while the rulemaking proceeds.
Early-education experts and advocates warn that cutting standards could lead to less-qualified teachers, larger class sizes, fewer services for parents, and loss of early disability identification that reduces later special-education needs and costs.
After the comment period, agencies will review feedback and the rule is likely to face congressional scrutiny and legal challenges that could delay or change any final action, building on prior administration efforts to alter Head Start access and funding.