Final Rule Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming
The Administration for Children and Families released a final rule in the Federal Register, Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming. In January 2024, DEC submitted comments on the proposed revisions to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) in January 2024. The final rule updates the HSPPS (the Performance Standards) to respond to concerns affecting the sustainability of Head Start programs. Changes to the standards increase wages and benefits for Head Start educators and other staff, better integrate mental health supports across program services, strengthen processes to support child health and safety, and enhance family engagement services. They also modernize the process programs use to identify and meet community needs.
These updated Performance Standards provide clear federal requirements for:
Wages and benefits to support the Head Start workforce
Better integration of mental health across all aspects of Head Start programming
Quality improvement and clarity of requirements in other service areas
Comments