Administrative Policy

Administrative policy is how laws are implemented in practice.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs“

• Comment Period Opens: August 7, 2026 
• Comment Period Ends: October 5, 2026 at Midnight
• How to Review the NPRM and Submit Your Comment: The full text of the proposed rule is available on the Federal Register: Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs page. To contribute your feedback, click on the green “Submit a Public Comment” button in the upper right hand corner of the webpage.

On August 6, 2026, the Trump Administration released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Head Start. This is a formal announcement that is published in the Federal Register when a Federal Agency intends to add to, remove from, or otherwise change policy through a rule or regulation. In effect, this NPRM proposes to dismantle federal regulation of Head Start in favor of state-level control over Head Start programming,

Head Start is an essential program that provides child care, early learning, health and developmental screenings, nutrition and other comprehensive services to children from families with the lowest incomes. Head Start’s effectiveness in supporting the development of young children at risk is based on the fact that its programming is consistently held to rigorous quality standards at the federal level. It is crucial that any changes to the regulation of Head Start should avoid reducing the quality of the services it delivers to children and families.

A 60-day public comment period is now open on the NPRM, providing stakeholders the opportunity to review the proposal and offer feedback. You can read the proposed rule and access the link to submit a comment on the Federal Register page for the NPRM. First Five Nebraska will provide further analysis of the NPRM in the coming days. In the meanwhile, we encourage stakeholders to consult the following sources in order to be prepared to submit informed comments:

• Head Start Program Core Elements — An overview of the program by the First Five Years Fund
• “Fewer Rules Cannot Mean Fewer Results” —  The National Head Start Association’s initial comment on the NPRM.

Review the NPRM and Submit a Comment

State Administrative Policy 

At the state level, the Legislature is responsible for passing laws, and state agencies, such as the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska Department of Education, implement them.

State Administrative Policy Includes:

• Implementing federal requirements (CCDF, Medicaid)
• Implementing state statutes
• Remove state budget constraints
• Governor’s administrative priorities

State Administrative Policy Process:

1. Agency drafts proposed rules or guidance
2. Public notice is issued
3. Public comment and/or hearings occur
4. Rules are finalized and implemented

Federal Administrative Policy 

At the federal level, Congress passes laws, but agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and others are responsible for implementing them. 

Federal Administrative Policy Includes:

• Federal regulations (rules)
• Guidance and policy memos
• Program instructions and grant rules
• Oversight and compliance standards

The process is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act and works like this:

1.  An agency publishes a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
2.  Public comment period opens (often 30-60 days)
3.  Agency reviews comments and may revise
4.  Final rule is published and takes effect (takes at least 30 days for it to become effective)

A great example of this process is illustrated through a recent proposed rule change from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families which would amend Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulations. Check out our blog post, “New CCDF Proposed Rule: What it Does and How to Make an Online Comment,” for more information on this particular rule change.