STATEMENT: FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling on Proposed Head Start Rule
This morning, the White House released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing changes to regulations governing the Head Start program.
Head Start is an essential program that provides children from families with the lowest-income with child care, early learning, health and developmental screenings, nutrition and other comprehensive services. First Five Years Fund will continue to update its State of Play as we review and analyze the proposed changes.
The following is a statement from First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling:
“For decades, Head Start has been celebrated as a locally designed and parent-driven program – one that delivers comprehensive services to the children and families who need it most in every corner of the country. We look forward to analyzing it in the coming days and to providing comment on how to strengthen the program consistent with what makes Head Start, Head Start, and to ensuring the absolute best for the children who walk through its doors each day.”
Below are helpful resources from First Five Years Fund:
- FFYF State of Play: A page with updates, context, timelines and resources around the August 2026 Head Start NPRM.
- FFYF FAQs: Answers to questions asked by providers, parents and advocates about what the NPRM would mean, including what would change and what would stay the same.
- FFYF Searchable Spreadsheet: A line-by-line deep dive into the NPRM, with links to associated statute and regulations.
- The Core Elements of Head Start: A document highlighting the foundational pillars that define the Head Start program.
And here are links to original source materials, as located on the official federal government websites.
- The Head Start Act: The federal law that authorizes and governs Head Start.
- Head Start Performance Standards: The full list of official performance standards that currently (pre-NPRM) shape Head Start.
- The Head Start NPRM: Released August 7, 2026, this contains proposed changes to Head Start rules and regulations.
- Public Comments: Interested individuals and organizations are invited to provide comments through the October 6, 2026 deadline.
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Related
Searchable Guide: 2026 Head Start NPRM
FFYF has heard directly from providers, parents, and advocates with questions about what this proposal would actually mean for Head Start. We’ve compiled those questions here, along with clear, straightforward answers.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Head Start NPRM
FFYF has heard directly from providers, parents, and advocates with questions about what this proposal would actually mean for Head Start. We’ve compiled those questions here, along with clear, straightforward answers.
State Of Play: The Head Start NPRMs (Rules and Regulation Changes)
As part of a “Child Care Reform Package” released on May 11, the Administration issued four separate policy actions: a Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Final Rule, a Temporary Assistance for Need Families (TANF) Information Memorandum, and a CCDF Dear Colleague Letter.
