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Trump Administration Plans to Upend Head Start by Deregulating It
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The Trump administration plans to significantly roll back federal requirements for the Head Start program, potentially undermining its antipoverty mission.
- Proposed changes would eliminate most of the 133 pages of regulations covering curriculum, class sizes, medical screenings, home visits, and daily routines like tooth brushing.
- Officials argue the revisions will reduce regulatory burdens and give more control to states and cities, while advocates fear this move could effectively dismantle the program.
- The White House previously labeled Head Start as “radical” and attempted, unsuccessfully, to freeze its funding last year.
- Although centers must still follow state rules, few state programs match Head Start’s standards, raising concerns that antipoverty services may diminish without federal mandates.
