Your one-stop-shop for information about Head Start and the impact this program has on the lives of children and families all across the U.S.

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Head Start Program Core Elements

Over its 60-year history, Head Start has adhered to essential quality components while continuously improving and refining improve and refine its delivery of services through changes in both federal law and regulations.

To maintain the integrity of the Head Start program, organizations across the early learning landscape have aligned around five Core Elements that are fundamental to the program’s continued effectiveness and impact.

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Funding Update

On June 4th, the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee released its FY2027 funding proposal, including federal investments in child care and early learning programs. 

This proposal included $10 million increase for Early Head Start/Head Start at $12.3 billion.

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Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

Restoring Flexibility to Support Head Start Program Access, a proposed rule by the Department of Health And Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: The NPRM removes requirements that were effective October 1, 2024, related to wages (to be implemented by August 1, 2031) and benefits (to be implemented by August 1, 2028) in the Head Start program.

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Information