NPRM Represents Significant Opportunity to Shape Head Start’s Next Chapter

The Office of Head Start has issued a preview of their long-awaited Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). It will be formally published in the Federal Register on Monday November 20, 2023 with a 60-day public comment period.

This NPRM represents a significant opportunity to address the challenges facing Head Start and Early Head Start today and to contribute to a shared vision for Head Start’s next chapter. Our initial review of the NPRM suggests the need for significant additional funding in order to fully realize the goals of the proposal. We are grateful that the Administration has supported improvements in workforce compensation in its FY24 budget proposal; however, we remain concerned that if Congress does not agree to such increases, the impact of this proposal will be devastating to Head Start and Early Head Start, especially regarding the number of children and families able to be served. The Head Start community is committed to identifying ways to balance these competing demands and continuing our fight on Capitol Hill for appropriate levels of funding so that we can best serve children and families.

In the weeks to come, NHSA looks forward to gathering the Head Start community to discuss and analyze the details of this sweeping NPRM and to recommend changes as appropriate. We commend the Office of Head Start for recognizing the difficult circumstances facing programs today, and we seek to unite the Head Start community to reach consensus around constructive feedback that will help realize our shared goal of improving and strengthening the services we provide to children and families.