2026 Head Start Newsletter

Created in Partnership with Head Start California, State Partners, and National Partners

One Week Left to Make Your Voice Heard on the Proposed Head Start Rule

The deadline to submit public comments on the proposed Head Start rule is just one week away. We’re sending this newsletter to make it easier for advocates, providers, and organizations to take action by providing the key resources you need to understand the proposed changes, develop your own comment, and submit it before the deadline.

Quick Links:

• Read the Proposed Head Start Rule
• Write Your Public Comment Using This Template
• Use Head Start California's Easy Click-to-Comment
• Read TFC's DRAFT Public Comment
• Submit Your Public Comment Here

Deadline for Action: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 8:59 p.m. PT

Continue reading this newsletter for more information and support on understanding and responding to the proposed Head Start rule.

What is the Federal Proposed Rule on Head Start?

On August 6, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services shared proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The proposed changes represent the largest ever overhaul of the standards. If enacted, these changes would significantly impact the children and families served and the services that they receive. You can read the entire text of the proposed regulation here.

In brief, the NPRM removes all of the existing Head Start Program Performance Standards and replaces them with a few short, politically motivated standards.

Instead of evidence-based best practices, the new standards would:

• Require all classroom instruction be in English only
• Eliminate evidence-based teacher-child ratio and group size requirements that support classroom quality, safety, and individualized learning.
• Remove key requirements related to serving children with disabilities, raising concerns about equitable access to the services and supports that help children fully participate and thrive alongside their peers.
• Impose new administrative cost caps on local programs that, when combined with years of funding challenges, could force many programs to reduce staffing or services.

Resources to Help You Better Understand the Proposed Rule

• Read the full proposed Head Start rule - The complete text of the proposed rule from the Federal Register.

• Key takeaways from the new proposed Head Start rule - Start Early

• Webinar Recording "Protect Head Start: What the Proposed Changes to the Performance Standards Mean and How You Can Take Action" - Start Early

• Head Start NPRM Resource Hub - Start Early - Includes additional resources, webinar recordings, PowerPoint slides, comment templates, and other tools.

• Head Start Proposed Rule Resources - Head Start California - Additional analysis and public comment resources specific to California Head Start programs.

Want to see TFC’s perspective? Click the button above to read TFC’s draft public comment. TFC outlines seven priority recommendations focused on protecting continuity of services, meaningful family partnership, comprehensive health and developmental supports, equitable access, language access, stable transitions, and accountability as Head Start regulations are modernized.

How to Write Your Unique Public Comment

What does public comment mean? Why does it matter for the federal rule-making process?

Public comment is an important part of the federal rulemaking process. It gives individuals, organizations, and other stakeholders an opportunity to share their perspectives, provide information and examples, and identify concerns or recommendations before a proposed rule is finalized. Federal agencies review and consider public comments as they develop the final rule.

How do I create my own public comment for the proposed Head Start rule?

Click here for a public comment template for the proposed Head Start rule. This template is designed to give you a starting point for drafting your own unique comment. Be sure to edit the template to reflect your organization’s unique perspective, experiences, recommendations, and how the proposed rule would affect the families and communities you serve.

You can also click here to use Head Start California's easy click-to-comment form, which includes a few different prompts to choose from and personalize. Head Start CA's form also gives instructions to submit your comment anonymously so your name is not listed on the Regulations.gov website.

Personalizing your comment is important so your voice is counted. Using a template can make the process easier, but be sure to personalize your comment as much as possible. When many comments are substantially identical, agencies may treat them as part of a mass comment campaign rather than as distinct individual submissions. Making your comment unique helps ensure that your voice is recognized and counted.

What are some tips for writing public comment?

Effective comments should identify specific provisions of the proposed rule, explain how those provisions could affect families, providers, or programs, and provide concrete examples, data, or recommendations whenever possible. Focus on the issues that are most relevant to your organization and explain why you support or oppose a proposed provision and what you would recommend instead. Here is a visual step-by-step guide on submitting public comment.

How many comments have been submitted so far?

There has been over 18,000 comments submitted on the Head Start proposed rule on the NPRM website. Click here to read through the submitted comments.

Do any other organizations have a public comment template or draft I can read?

Yes! Here are a few:

• TFC's Draft Public Comment

• National Head Start Association Initial Draft of Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Head Start Performance Standards

• Head Start California's Click-to-Comment Tool



• Child Care Aware of America Public Comment Template

• Together for Head Start Public Comment Template

• Start Early / Together for Head Start – Individual Comment Simple Guide

• Start Early / Together for Head Start Comprehensive Public Comment Guide

How to Submit Public Comment

How can advocates submit a public comment for a proposed federal rule?

Submit a public comment for the federal proposed rule on Head Start by clicking this link.

What are the specifics for submitting public comment either online or via email?

ONLINE: Click this link to be immediately directed, or go to www.regulations.gov and input ACF-2026-0595 (RIN 0970-AD30). Click "comment".

EMAIL: Email the letter to Deregulation@acf.hhs.gov. Include “ACF-2026-0595” or “RIN 0970-AD30” in the subject line

What is the deadline to submit public comment?



The public comment period for the proposed Head Start rule ends on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, or 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

Parent Action Toolkit

• Parent Sign-On Letter for Public Comment



• Parent Letter Template and Background Sheet

• Parent Story Example

Know a Head Start parent who has a story to share? Please forward this newsletter to a Head Start parent in your community and invite them to share how Head Start has impacted their child, family, or community. Personal stories can help decision-makers understand the real-world impact of these programs.

More Actions You Can Take

Public comment is one important way to respond to the proposed rule, but there are other ways advocates can make their voices heard and engage federal policymakers.

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Have a Question About This Newsletter?

Reach out to TFC at thriving@thrivingfamilies-ca.org

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