Head Start NPRM: Organization Statements and Resources

On August 7, 2026, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Head Start. The proposal would replace the current Head Start Program Performance Standards with a significantly shorter set of federal regulations, touching nearly every part of the program – from health and safety to staffing, eligibility, and governance.

Original source materials can be found below. 

• 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.
• The Core Elements of Head Start: Earlier this year, national and regional organizations aligned around the five core elements that are fundamental to Head Start. 

Below are statements and resources from organizations in the early learning community related to the NPRM:

First Five Years Fund (FFYF)

• FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling’s statement 
• FFYF has conducted a thorough analysis of the 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.
• Other helpful resources include:
  • The Core Elements of Head Start: A document highlighting the foundational pillars that define the Head Start program.
  • Polling Highlights: Head Start polling from 2025-2026 shows strong support across all political and geographical demographics.
  • FFYF State of Play:  A page with updates, context, timelines and resources around the August 2026 Head Start NPRM.
• And for more on the program itself:
  • A Head Start Overview 
  • Snapshot: Populations Served
  • Snapshot: Comprehensive Services
  • Snapshot: Early Head Start

National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)

• The race to the bottom: What replacing Head Start ratios standards with state child care minimums
• The Real Cost of Rolling Back Head Start Wage Requirements: The cost of rolling back Head Start wage requirements.
• NIEER Director Steve Barnett’s statement on the proposed Head Start deregulation

National Head Start Association (NHSA)

• NHSA’s statement on the proposed Head Start changes. 
• Here is NHSA’s executive summary of the NPRM including key changes to regulations and additions to existing policy.
• Add the other thing Lauren shared in chat in staff meeting here
• NHSA has also compiled their resources on the NPRM including Webinars and Talking Points here

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

• NAEYC’s Statement on Administration’s Proposal.
• Understanding Federal Rulemaking, a quick primer on how the process works.

School House Connection

• Analysis on the potential impact of the NPRM on children facing homelessness