NHSA Statement on Final Rule for Masking and Vaccinations
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Administration released a Final Rule on the Head Start Interim Final Rule with Comments (IFC) issued in the fall of 2021. The Final Rule removes the mask mandate for all children, staff, volunteers, and contractors in Head Start programs and requires all Head Start programs to establish a COVID safety protocol moving forward. Disappointingly, it does not address the vaccination requirements.
“Head Start programs nationwide have been recognized for their successful work to keep children safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We have every confidence that this Final Rule will allow programs to continue to do what they do best: serve children and families in a safe, healthy, and community-driven manner,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “We thank the Administration for providing, at long last, clear guidance on masking and we are hopeful they will quickly address the unresolved questions about the vaccination mandate as an immediate next step.”
In Recent News
2022-23 GroMoreGood Garden Grant Winners
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and NHSA are awarding 10 GroMoreGood garden grants to programs connecting our nation's youth to gardening.
NHSA Recognizes Congressional Leaders with 2023 Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association recognized 15 Congressional leaders for their work to support Head Start, the comprehensive early childhood development program for infants, young children, and their families. The Head Start community is grateful for the ongoing work of these members of Congress to ensure America’s underserved children receive the high-quality…
NHSA Statement on Final Rule for Masking and Vaccinations
We thank the Administration for providing a Final Rule on masking and hope they will quickly address the vaccination mandate as an immediate next step.