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Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has submitted a public comment strongly opposing the federal proposed rule "Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs" (RIN 0970-AD30). This proposed rule would rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and defer to weaker state licensing requirements in many areas. That would strip away protections that support children's safety, health, and kindergarten readiness.
What's at stake for Rhode Island
Rhode Island's 14 Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve 2,598 children and pregnant women. Our comment highlights how the proposed rule would affect them:
- Health care access would suffer.
- Mental health support would be cut.
- Vulnerable children, including children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness and in foster care, and dual language learners, would be left behind.
- Teacher qualifications and ratios would weaken.
- Small programs would be squeezed.
- Jobs and funding would be lost.
We urge the Administration for Children and Families to withdraw the proposed rule and work with stakeholders on targeted, evidence-based improvements that keep Head Start's high standards in place. Read our full comment here.
Make your voice heard by October 6
Anyone can submit a public comment on this proposed rule. Comments from parents, educators, providers, and community members show federal officials how these changes would affect real families. You don't need to be an expert, and templates are available to help you get started!
Together for Head Start has a collection of resources on their Linktree, including comment templates for different organizations and individuals:
More resources
Deadline: Tuesday, October 6. Personalized comments that share your own experience with Head Start carry the most weight.
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