TEXAS (August 5, 2026) – Ahead of any official announcement, reported changes to the federal regulation of the National Head Start program raise serious concerns about the continued quality, transparency, accountability, and accessibility of child care. As the public waits for formal notices to be released, families are encouraged to continue bringing their children to Head Start and Early Head Start programs as scheduled, and community leaders are calling on officials to preserve access to a longstanding program that provides the essential high-quality child care that low-income families need.

Head Start helps prepare children for school, supports working families, and maintains standards designed to promote quality, safety, and accountability. Reports that federal officials may weaken those standards are particularly concerning in Texas, where families already face child care shortages and limited access to affordable, quality early education. Early childhood leaders are calling on federal officials to preserve access to high-quality early education for children from families with limited incomes.

CHILDREN AT RISK hosted a virtual press conference to reassure community members that Head Start regulations have not yet changed, share the anticipated next steps based on past Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), and call on elected officials to preserve Head Start and Early Head Start with their existing standards.

“Weakening early childhood education, including Head Start, standards would be like tearing down the foundation of a house,” said Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK. “How can we expect the walls and roof to remain standing when the foundation begins to crack?”

At this time, no formal NPRM  has been released. In the event that a proposed rule is published, the public will have an opportunity to review and comment on the changes before any final rule is implemented related to Head Start regulations or standards.

“If your child is enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start, continue bringing them to their program and stay in touch with your program director,” said Kim Kofron, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education with CHILDREN AT RISK. “No regulations have changed, and we’ll know more if and when a proposed rule is released. Until then, families should stay informed, not alarmed.” 

Because of the strength of its regulations, Head Start has provided high-quality child care to low-income families since it was established in 1965. This unique model of care is backed by decades of research that show children who attend Head Start are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and live healthier, more socially integrated lives. The program also plays a vital role in supporting families experiencing homelessness, military-connected households, and children with disabilities.

As of the fall of 2025, Texas:

• Is home to 464,698 low-income children with working parents.
• Has capacity to provide 148,675 subsidy seats for qualifying children.
• All together, Head Start and Early Head Start provide affordable, high-quality child care for 69,450
• Head Start and Early Head Start create positive intergenerational outcomes, including a decrease in the likelihood of adult poverty and a reduction in reliance on public assistance.

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About CHILDREN AT RISK

CHILDREN AT RISK is a research and advocacy nonprofit leading the way in improving the quality of life for Texas children. CHILDREN AT RISK considers the whole child by tracking issues in children’s health, safety, education, and economic security to improve equity and justice for all Texas families. Committed to action beyond the data, CHILDREN AT RISK drives evidence-based change by speaking out on behalf of children. For more information, visit childrenatrisk.org, Facebook, and Twitter.