HHS Proposes Rule to Reduce Burden and Expand Access for Head Start Programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new proposed rule, 'Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,' aimed at expanding access, reducing red tape, and refocusing the program on preparing children for success. The rule is projected to preserve or expand as many as 236,000 Head Start slots nationwide and save $2.2 billion. It also emphasizes health, nutrition, and physical exercise requirements, and aims to increase access by decreasing administrative costs and removing duplicative regulations.