Aug. 18, 2026
DEEP DIVE: Unpacking the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Overhaul the Head Start Program Performance Standards
On 8/7/26, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would rescind the current Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) in their entirety and replace them with a substantially shorter set of requirements. The NPRM, if finalized, would significantly change the Head Start program by eliminating most of the existing standards that prescribe how grantees must offer high-quality, comprehensive services to children and families across the nation. HHS is accepting public comments here through October 6, 2026, and the current HSPPS remain in effect unless and until a final rule is issued.
Unpacking the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Overhaul the Head Start Program Performance Standards provides background on the HSPPS, explains their legal foundation, summarizes the major changes proposed in the NPRM, and outlines next steps in the regulatory process. If enacted, the proposed rescission and replacement of the HSPPS would overhaul the service requirements and quality standards that have defined this 61-year-old early childhood program. The NPRM removes or significantly weakens many of the current requirements related to effective teaching and learning, teacher qualifications, developmental screenings, health and dental care, mental health care, maternal health, and parent governance, as well as tailored services for children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness, dual language learners, and children in foster care. The Deep Dive also examines the potential implications for Head Start programs, children and families, and state early childhood systems that have long looked to Head Start as a model for quality standards and comprehensive services.
Click here to access the document and click here to download a PDF of it.
