Washington, D.C. — Recently, the Trump administration proposed a rule change that would drastically reduce Head Start performance standards, threatening grantees’ statutory compliance, access to comprehensive services, and early education quality. Today, the Center for American Progress published two complementary analyses quantifying the impact this rule change would have on approximately 17,000 Head Start centers across the United States.
The first analysis summarizes recent research on the projected impacts the rule change will have on Head Start jobs, health funding, and child care costs. The second showcases new CAP data analysis of the vital role Head Start plays for communities lacking access to other forms of licensed care.
Key findings from CAP’s analysis include:
- 22.4 percent of income-eligible young children in rural communities lack access to licensed home-based, center-based, or preschool supply, compared with just 2.7 percent of nonrural children—more than an eightfold gap.
- Rural children make up about 20 percent of income-eligible children under age 5, but they account for nearly three-quarters—73 percent—of all children for whom Head Start is the only available licensed child care option.
- For income-eligible children with no other options, Head Start is able to reach roughly 5.9 percent of them in rural areas, compared with 4.5 percent in nonrural communities.
“Head Start is a vital resource for families across the country, with a proven record of improving academic achievement,” said Hailey Gibbs, associate director for Early Childhood Policy at CAP and author of the analyses. “But it’s more than early education; it helps improve children’s health, ensures kids with disabilities get the early interventions they need, supports parents in improving their financial circumstances, and much more. The administration’s repeated attacks on this essential community hub over a period of two years only underscore its derision of policies and programs designed to help families thrive.”
CAP also submitted a public comment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opposing the rule change and encouraging HHS to preserve existing program standards. This comment warns that such a change could result in widespread harm to vulnerable groups, including children in rural communities; children with disabilities; families in need of wraparound services, such as those experiencing homelessness; dual language learners; and children from Black and brown communities.
Read the explainer: “Head Start Works, but the Trump Administration Is Undermining It” by Hailey Gibbs and Carter Nesmith
Read the data brief: “In Rural Communities, Head Start Is Often the Only Licensed Child Care Option” by Hailey Gibbs
Read CAP’s public comment: “CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Rolling Back Program Performance Standards Key to Fulfilling the Head Start Promise” by Hailey Gibbs
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Mishka Espey at [email protected].