Funder Briefing: Head Start Proposed Regulation

Earlier this summer, the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative (ECFC) hosted a briefing on proposed changes to Head Start. At that time, we were anticipating a proposed regulation from HHS that would dramatically reshape Early Head Start and Head Start.

On August 7, HHS posted for public inspection a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs“.

The changes outlined could remove key hallmarks of Head Start that have made it an anchor of support for families and a model for the early care and education field. The rule is anticipated to reduce staff-child ratios, curriculum standards, health and developmental screening requirements and more. In addition, it is expected to limit how programs serve multilingual children, families and communities.

This funder briefing will provide an overview of the proposed regulation, explain its potential impact on children, families, and Head Start programs, highlight key strategies for opposing harmful provisions, and identify concrete actions funders can take, including participation in advocacy and coalition efforts.

Registration is open to ECFC members and other interested funders, funder collaboratives and philanthropy infrastructure organizations. Philanthropy advisors and consultants representing eligible attendees are welcome to attend.