A proposal by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) would eliminate most of the Head Start performance standards—the requirements that help ensure Head Start programs provide high-quality services and support the health, safety, learning, and well-being of young children and their families. Eliminating these standards would mean removing protections for children with disabilities, weakening children’s ability to learn and thrive, and creating worse working conditions for educators. For educators, these standards help provide clear expectations for everything ranging from staff-child ratios, staff qualifications, supports for children with disabilities, and the comprehensive supports children and families receive. 

NAEYC opposes this proposal. Rather than stripping regulations, what families and providers really need are more investments from Congress to expand access to high-quality early care and education programs like Head Start, and prioritize a well-compensated, well-prepared ECE workforce.  

NAEYC urges Congress to stand with Head Start educators, children, and families by calling on ACF to reject this proposal and protect the standards that support Head Start programs to provide high-quality services.  

Add your voice and send a message to your members of Congress today!