Trump administration nears rule to slash Head Start standards, bar immigrant children

Published Jul 30, 01:00 PM UTC

The Trump administration is nearing release of a proposed rule that would drastically reduce quality standards for Head Start, the federal preschool program serving over 700,000 low-income children. According to sources with direct knowledge, the rule would rescind the existing 133-page performance standards, eliminating requirements for class sizes, staff-to-child ratios, curriculum standards, developmental screenings, and protections for children with disabilities. It would also remove prohibitions on corporal punishment and guidance for homeless and foster children. Additionally, the rule would for the first time restrict enrollment to children who are citizens, nationals, or 'qualified aliens' with at least one parent holding such status, potentially excluding many immigrant families and citizen children of undocumented parents. The rule, drafted by HHS and under OMB review, would shift authority to states and localities, effectively transforming Head Start into a generic early-childhood funding stream.