Proposed Head Start Changes Threaten PA Kids

Proposed changes to Head Start could put early education at risk for Pennsylvania children, advocates warned.

The federal program helps low-income families prepare their kids for elementary school. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said its plan would reduce red tape, give states more control and expand access overall.

Maggie Livelsberger, policy director for the group Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said 767 sites serve more than 29,000 children statewide. She cautioned the changes could weaken program standards.

"It's across about 11 areas that the rule would really kind of shift more decisions to individual programs and state or local standards but it would not come with any additional funding," Livelsberger explained.

She added the proposed rule from the Administration for Children and Families would essentially revise or remove nearly 90% of the current Head Start regulatory requirements. She noted collectively, the changes could reduce program quality, consistency, access and comprehensive supports for children and families.

She pointed out it would loosen staffing ratio and service hour rules and would reduce qualification requirements for some of the professionals who work in the Head Start classrooms.

"It also is proposed to remove federal protections related to suspension, expulsion, attendance, disability supports, eligibility procedures for the program," Livelsberger outlined.

Livelsberger stressed Head Start takes a whole-family approach to education. The program helps ensure children and their families have the support they need so kids can succeed in school.

"That includes health coverage, it includes oral care, so getting your dentist treatments every year. It includes getting screened for any developmental delays," Livelsberger explained. "These protections that would potentially be removed can really impact a family's ability to access those supports."

Her group recommended Pennsylvanians contact their congressional delegation to express their concerns with the proposed rule and protect Head Start. While the comment period for the proposed rule is over, more than 40,000 comments were sent in, most of them raising concerns.

She added the administration will review and respond to the comments before making a final decision. She hopes the high number of comments and continued outreach to Congress will persuade them to rethink removing so many performance standards and help keep the program intact.