Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Support the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming

The Office of Head Start (OHS) is proposing significant changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) to ensure fair compensation is a key component of high-quality early care and education. The proposed changes are designed to stabilize the Head Start workforce and improve the quality of the comprehensive services that Head Start families count on. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the HSPPS will be open for public comment in the Federal Register on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.  The closing date is Jan. 19, 2024.

The proposed HSPPS updates would benefit the Head Start workforce, children and families, and programs. They would significantly increase compensation for many Head Start staff, integrate mental health services into Head Start programming more broadly, and otherwise enhance services to help Head Start programs effectively and equitably meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

Featured Resources

Explore related resources to learn more.

• Preview of the NPRM on the Federal Register website, including the Preamble and the proposed changes
• New Rule Proposed to Improve Head Start Program Quality and Support the Workforce on the ECLKC website
• Overview Fact Sheet
• Detailed Summaries of Proposed Changes

T