- The Trump administration would like to relax rules for Head Start programs that require federal regulations to be followed, which could make it easier to hire staff without meeting standards.
- Critics say the proposal could reduce oversight of Head Start providers, making it easier for programs to operate with fewer safeguards.
- The plan would also reduce the share of federal funds that must be spent on classroom activities from 15% to 5%.
The Trump administration has proposed changes to Head Start that would run counter to medical experts’ advice for children. In a statement, medical experts say the proposal would make it easier to ignore federal health and safety standards for children.
In materials provided by AP, the agency says it would change the rules that apply to Head Start. The proposal would allow providers to use federal funds for other purposes, including training and administrative costs, rather than strictly for health and safety requirements.
According to the proposal, Head Start providers would be able to spend less on medical services and other child health needs. In particular, the plan would reduce requirements for staff training and background checks.
In materials provided by AP, the agency says it would change the rules that apply to Head Start. The proposal would allow providers to use federal funds for other purposes, including training and administrative costs, rather than strictly for health and safety requirements.
In a statement, medical experts said the proposal could make it harder to ensure that children receive basic health services. They also said the changes could increase the risk of illness and other health problems.
AP reported that the proposal would reduce the number of children covered by Head Start by about 700,000, which would affect access to early education for families. The report said the administration did not plan to reduce funding for the program overall.
As CNN reported, the Trump administration would loosen federal rules for Head Start, including by allowing programs to spend less on medical services and other child health needs. CNN also said the administration would be able to reduce the number of staff required to meet health standards.
The administration’s plan would also reduce the share of federal funds that must be spent on classroom activities. AP said the plan would cut that requirement from 15% to 5%.
AP also reported that the proposal would allow programs to hire staff with less experience and training, and would reduce requirements for background checks. AP said the administration’s changes could make it harder to ensure that children receive consistent support.
Materials from AP and CNN say the administration’s proposal would change rules on how Head Start programs are run, including by reducing spending on health and safety requirements. The materials say the administration’s changes would reduce the share of federal funds that must be spent on classroom activities from 15% to 5%.
AP also said the proposal would loosen federal rules for Head Start, including by allowing programs to provide fewer services and by reducing oversight. The report said the administration’s changes could make it harder to ensure that children receive the support they need.