New challenges emerge for Head Start

The current administration is reportedly planning a major overhaul of Head Start, removing federal mandates on class sizes, curriculums and health screenings,  among other changes—leaving these decisions to states. This comes in addition to a rule change proposed earlier this year rescinding federal requirements related to pay parity, staff benefits and other issues. As deregulation at the federal level can have a significant impact on Head Start program quality, First Five Nebraska is closely monitoring these developments.

Head Start serves 700,000 children nationally and has the capacity to serve more than 5,000 in Nebraska. Head Start programs:

1. Offer comprehensive nutritional, medical and developmental supports for children in 56 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.
2. Promote families’ economic self-sufficiency, helping them find a pathway to independence and success.
3. Employ more than 2,100 staff including teachers, home visitors, disabilities coordinators and other professionals working together to support children’s healthy development.

Head Start avoided being cut entirely from the federal budget last year after reports that it had been targeted for elimination sparked widespread outcry in support of the program. While Congress approved a modest $85 million increase for Head Start earlier this year, the program continues to struggle to keep up with the rapidly rising costs of delivering quality services, jeopardizing its reach and impact.

Get involved by urging Nebraska’s federal delegation to increase support for Head Start and protect the program’s quality standards. Use the contact information on this page to call or write to our state delegates.