Feedback Guide: 2026 Head Start NPRM

RE: August 6, 2026 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would replace the current Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) with a significantly shorter set of federal regulations. HSPPS are the federal regulations implementing the Head Start Act’s requirements, setting the detailed operational standards every funded grantee must meet. The comment period is open until October 6, 2026.

First Five Years Fund (FFYF) supports efforts to address the flexibility and burden reduction that programs have long sought. Some of the HSPPS, however, are fundamental and ensure consistency across the country that aligns both statute and regulation. While much of what this proposed rule would remove is genuine duplication – where the HSPPS restates the provisions of the Head Start Act verbatim – not all duplication between statute and regulation is the same. Head Start is a federal-to-local program leaving the federal government to assure at the highest level a consistency of service. The Act, as written by Congress, affirms that by directing when it’s necessary to regulate. How programs meet the standards put in place through those regulations is a separate question, and one that should be welcomed. A final rule should strike an appropriate balance between eliminating duplication, maintaining necessary standards, and allowing for programs to demonstrate innovation, creativity, and local flexibility.

After careful review, FFYF has identified the following areas as warranting thoughtful public comment. These are also the areas we believe merit continued attention as this rule moves through the process and where we encourage others to engage.

Feedback Guide

Learn more:

• The NPRM Analysis: A deeper dive into the proposed changes in the NPRM which require additional scrutiny or discussion, raise potential concerns, and could warrant official comment.
• Searchable Guide: A searchable section-by-section breakdown of the NPRM, with links to current and proposed regulations
• FAQ: 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.
• Public Comment How-To Guide: Tips on how to draft and submit comments.