WASHINGTON (AURN News) — The Trump administration is preparing a major overhaul of Head Start, the federal early education program for children from low-income families.
The proposal would eliminate or loosen many of the program’s federal quality standards, according to The Associated Press.
Two people familiar with the plan told The Associated Press that the current 122-page rule book, covering requirements such as staff-to-student ratios, health screenings and protections against expulsion, would be replaced with roughly a dozen pages, leaving most decisions to state and local authorities.
The Department of Health and Human Services says the changes are intended to reduce administrative burdens while preserving federal funding for the program.
Critics, however, say the proposal is part of a broader pattern of changes weakening Head Start.
The proposal follows earlier moves to cut Head Start staff, close regional offices and restrict the use of terms related to race and gender in grant applications.
The proposed rule is expected to be published this week, opening a public comment period before any changes can be finalized or take effect.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
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