Statement on Head Start Program Performance Standards Comment Period Extension

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Health and Human Services announced that it has extended the comment period on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making for revised Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) by 30 days. The announcement will be published in the Federal Register on Wednesday August 12, 2015 and the new deadline for comments is September 17, 2015. The following statement should be attributed to Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association:

“We applaud the progress being made toward finalizing the Head Start Performance Standards (HSPPS) and are delighted that the comment period has been extended to give the entire Head Start community more time to share valuable feedback and expertise on the proposed changes. The 30-day extension is an important step in ensuring the Final Rule for the HSPPS represents what is best for our children and families, what is feasible for programs to implement, and what resources programs need to continue Head Start’s legacy of high-quality early childhood care and education.”

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in school and in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 750,000 children, 250,000 staff and 1,600 Head Start and Early Head Start grantees in the United States. ••• Media Contact: Lauren Lawson-Zilai; Senior Director, Communications; media@nhsa.org

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