Response to the Head Start Mask Announcement

In response to today’s announcement from the Office of Head Start, NHSA’s Deputy Director Tommy Sheridan released the following statement:

The Head Start community is grateful for today’s announcement that finally gives us the clarity we have been seeking. It will go a long way to allow programs to do what they do best in a safe, healthy, and community-driven manner.

Head Start’s strength comes from six decades of practice tailoring high-quality services to address each family and community’s needs. This strength withstood extreme pressure during the pandemic, but Head Start persisted and we are proud of the important work we have done to serve children and families in every community across the country. In fact, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscored Head Start’s ability to keep children safe and in healthy learning environments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Again, we appreciate the Administration’s work to restore the local authority that is vital to programs and their ability to serve as many low-income children and families as possible.