Trump Administration Preparing Major Rollback of Federal Requirements for Head Start Programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed significant changes to Head Start, potentially removing requirements for math and literacy curriculums, class sizes, medical screenings, home visits, and even teeth brushing. The proposed rule, titled 'Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,' aims to expand access by decreasing administrative costs, but critics fear it could undermine the program's anti-poverty mission and relax standards of care. New rules could also mandate English-only instruction and 30 minutes of physical activity daily.