The Trump administration is moving to deregulate Head Start, a 60-year-old anti-poverty program, to save money.
Founded by Sargent Shriver during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration in the 1960s, Head Start is overseen by the US Health Department's Administration for Children and Families.
The proposed changes include eliminating various federal rules, shifting oversight to state and local governments, and adding new dietary and fitness requirements for students. The changes would also reduce requirements for class sizes, medical screenings, and math and literacy curriculums.
Number of children served by Head Start, including those in foster care and experiencing homelessness.
Assistant Secretary Alex Adams stated that the changes are expected to free up more than $2 billion for the program, which could allow for the enrollment of up to 268,000 more children. Adams said the administration built the rule around trusting local leaders to make decisions for their communities.
We built this rule around trusting local leaders to make decisions for their communities.
Political response and criticism
The National Head Start Association stated the proposed changes represent the most significant revisions to the program in its 61-year history. Executive director Yasmina Vinci said, “Fewer rules cannot mean fewer results”.
All but declared war on Head Start and affordable child care in America.
