Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09383
Start EarlyOpposeAdvocacy
Summary: Start Early, a non-profit public-private partnership, opposes the proposed removal of Head Start staff wage and benefit requirements. They argue that rescinding these standards will worsen workforce instability, decrease the quality of services, and make it harder for programs to recruit and retain qualified educators who deserve competitive compensation.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) entitled “Restoring Flexibility to Support Head Start Program Access.” Start Early strongly encourages the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to maintain the current regulations related to Head Start staff wages and benefits and to address the urgent need to increase wages and strengthen benefits for the Head Start workforce.
Please see attached for our full comments.