The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a rule that would rescind and replace most of the current Head Start Program Performance Standards. It would weaken staffing, early learning, family engagement, health and developmental services, and other areas of program delivery. The Early Childhood Funders Collaborative (ECFC), the Foundation for Child Development, and a team of ECFC member volunteers have analyzed the proposed rule and drafted a research-based public comment grounded in the expertise philanthropy brings to this work. Our comment addresses the potential effects of the proposed changes on children and families, including Black children, children in immigrant families, children experiencing homelessness, and children with disabilities, as well as implications for philanthropy’s ability to support strong early childhood programs and systems.
Before submitting the comment, we’re inviting other funders to join us.
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What’s Happening
HHS’s proposed rule, Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs (RIN: 0970-AD30), would rescind and replace most of the current Head Start Program Performance Standards.
The proposed changes would affect how Head Start programs approach staffing, program operations, family engagement, health and developmental services, and nearly every other aspect of program delivery. HHS’s own analysis estimates approximately $2.2 billion in annual cost reductions under its primary scenario, with the largest effects tied to changes in staffing, service delivery, and administrative requirements.
Why ECFC Is Engaging
As a collaborative of funders focused on young children and families, ECFC brings together philanthropy to understand and respond to issues that shape children’s well-being.
Head Start’s role extends beyond the program itself. It is connected to child care, state pre-K systems, developmental services, health, family economic security, and community-based organizations. Many funders that do not support Head Start directly are connected to the broader early childhood systems in which Head Start operates.
ECFC’s draft comment outlines serious concerns about what the proposed changes could mean for children, families, programs, and communities, and we’re asking other funders to join us before we submit it.
Take Action
The public comment period closes October 6, 2026.
Funders can:
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Hear From Funders and Community Partners
In the coming weeks, ECFC will share perspectives from funders and community partners about how Head Start connects to their work and what the proposed changes could mean for the broader early childhood ecosystem.
More From ECFC
What’s at Stake for Head Start: How Funders Can Support the Field During a Time of Change (June 18, 2026)