2026 Early Head Start and Head Start

STATE OF PLAY

On August 5, 2026,  the Administration released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Head Start.  FFYF is taking time to carefully review and analyze the proposal, read the statement from FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling here. 

Here’s what we know so far:  

• The proposed rule is open for a 60-day public comment period, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to review the proposal and submit feedback. (The 60-day comment period will end at midnight on October 5, 2026.) 
• FFYF is conducting a thorough analysis of the NPRM and will provide comment on how to strengthen the program, ensuring it is both consistent with the Core Elements of Head Start as well as what’s right for children and families. (These Core Elements include high-quality early learning and care, a comprehensive, development-focused approach, meaningful parent engagement, and innovative local design.)
• As polling shows, Head Start also remains overwhelmingly popular with voters across all demographics. 
• And we’ll continue to share updates through our NPRM State of Play, including our analysis, public comments, and other data-driven resources.

Want to take action? The August congressional recess presents an important opportunity to strengthen support for Head Start. With Members of Congress in their home districts, now is an ideal time to invite them to visit local Head Start programs, see firsthand the impact of the program, and hear directly from children, families, and educators.

BY THE NUMBERS

• 15,000: Early Head Start/Head Start centers operating nationwide, serving families in every Congressional district
• $27,320 or less: Income level at which a family of three qualifies for Head Start 
• 70%: Parents employed, in school, or in job training

In recent polling, the Head Start program had strong support across party lines, including: 

• 87% of all voters
• 84% of Republican voters
• 84% of Independent voters
• 94% of Democratic voters

2026 TIMELINE

• August 5, 2026: The Administration releases a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Head Start with a 60-day comment period for constructive feedback from organizations. (The 60-day comment period will end at midnight on October 5, 2026.) We’ll continue to share updates through our NPRM State of Play.
• June 9th: The House Appropriations Committee approved the Labor-H bill with its proposed increase for Early Head Start/Head Start.
• June 4: The House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) Appropriations Subcommittee released its FY2027 funding proposal, proposing a $10 million increase for Early Head Start/Head Start.
• May 12: Restoring Flexibility to Support Head Start Program Access and Quality is published. Read FFYF’s “State of Play” here. 
• May 11: As part of a “Child Care Reform Package”, the Administration issued a Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
• April 3: White House budget released with proposed level funding for Early Head Start/Head start
• March 25: The child care and early learning community sends Congressional appropriators a Community Letter calling for increased funding in FY27 
• March 25: Deadline for House Dear Colleague letters in support of FY27 child care and early learning funding. 

What’s Next:

• Floor vote on House Labor-H proposal
• Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee releases its proposal.
• September 30: End of the Fiscal Year. Congress must pass a spending package by midnight, a temporary “Continuing Resolution” to buy more time to pass a package, or face a government shutdown.