Your Voice Can Influence National Policy
On May 13, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify federal regulations pertaining to HHS programs, including Head Start, that could be streamlined to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and foster innovation.
This is an important opportunity to recommend changes that preserve what works in Head Start while allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness at the local level.
What Makes a Strong Recommendation?
When submitting comments to HHS, keep these principles in mind:
- Keep your input concise and constructive
- Use clear examples to explain how a policy might be simplified
- Make sure recommendations support the core mission of Head Start: delivering comprehensive, high-quality services to eligible children and families
To help you get started, NHSA has created an example framework that you can use or adapt for your response.
How to Submit Your Comment
You can submit your comments directly to HHS. Here's how:
- Visit the Request for Information page
- Click on "Public Comments" in the left-hand menu
- Select "Submit a Public Comment"
- Upload a PDF or paste your text directly into the form
Deadline: July 14, 2025
Make Your Voice Heard
This is a crucial moment to help shape a regulatory environment that strengthens Head Start’s ability to innovate, serve, and succeed. Let’s make sure changes support — not weaken — our shared mission.