October 2, 2026 | Weekly Feature

It is time to Use Your Voice

The federal comment period on the proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards closes

October 6, 2026.

The Head Start Program Performance Standards are the federal requirements that guide how Head Start and Early Head Start programs operate. The current NPRM proposes to rescind and replace the existing Standards, reducing federal requirements in a number of areas and shifting more decisions to states and local programs.

• Larger classroom sizes and fewer required teaching staff
• Fewer federal qualification requirements for certain positions
• Reduced requirements around Early Head Start home visiting and service design
• Fewer required health and mental health supports
• English-only instruction unless a waiver is approved
• Tighter limits on how programs can use administrative funding

Watch the Association's NPRM Walkthrough


🎥 Watch & Share our September 23 Walk Through:

In this recording, we share the screen and walk through the proposed changes, available resources, comment templates, and the process for submitting a comment.

Want to Learn More before Commenting?

1. NHSA Detailed Overview
2. Start Early Key Takeaways
3. FFYF Frequently Asked Questions
4. FFYF Searchable Guide
5. PA Head Start Association Presentation
6. Start Early LinkTree

Ready to Make Your Comment?

You do not have to start from scratch.

Use one of the templates below as a starting point, then add your own experiences, examples, and perspective:

1. General Template
2. Early Childhood Educators Template
3. Disability Template
4. Immigration Template
5. Multilingual | Language Justice Template
6. Health & Safety Template
7. Maternal | Infant Health & Home Visiting Template
8. Research Template

Looking for Family-Specific Templates?

Share these with your families for quick, easy-to-use public comment guides focused on specific issues that may connect to their experiences.

How to Submit Your Comment


1. Go to the Federal Register
2. Select Submit a Public Comment.
3. Add your personal comments/templates above.
4. Review your submission and submit before October 6.
5. Submission is as an individual with your personal email.

Every Voice Matters

We strongly encourage every parent, Head Start alum, staff member, and community partner to submit an individual comment before the deadline.

Your comment is an opportunity to explain which Standards matter to you, how they affect children, families, staff, and programs, and what you believe federal leaders should understand before making a final decision.

Comments close October 6, 2026. Please do not wait until the deadline to make your voice heard.



Thank you for taking the time to participate in this process and for helping bring real Head Start experiences into the federal record.



After You Submit Your Comment

These actions matter. We strongly encourage you to complete every item that applies to you.

📣Complete the Checklist📣

☐ Share this Email with Your Network

☐ Sign: Protect Head Start

☐ Staff: Sign the Head Start Staff Letter

☐ Families: Sign the Head Start Family Letter

☐ Share Your Head Start Story

☐ Share the Facebook Posts Below

☐ Call your Legislators on September 30

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