DENVER — The Colorado Children’s Campaign is calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to withdraw newly proposed rule “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs” and engage in an authentic stakeholder process to identify changes that will actually cut red tape and improve the program.
The proposed rule would weaken the standards that keep Colorado’s youngest and most vulnerable children safe and undermine a program that has improved the lives of thousands of children and families. For instance, it would roll back long-standing protections for group sizes and staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, background checks, and safe transportation.
More than 10,700 Colorado children attend Head Start and Early Head Start each year. That includes more than 1,500 children experiencing homelessness and more than 400 children in foster care. The program employs 1,629 education staff across the state and brings more than $165 million in federal funding into Colorado communities every year.
For many families, Head Start is the only safe, affordable care they can find. But Head Start is more than child care. It provides early learning, health and developmental screenings, nutrition, and support for families and children who are facing some of the state’s greatest challenges.
Research shows that every dollar spent on high-quality early childhood programs returns an estimated $7 to $13 over time, through better health, stronger outcomes in school, higher earnings, and lower public costs down the road.
“Every Colorado child deserves a safe, strong start, and for thousands of Colorado kids, that start begins at Head Start,” said Heather Tritten, President and CEO of the Colorado Children’s Campaign. “Qualified teachers, safe class sizes, real background checks, and safe transportation aren’t red tape. They’re the protections that let a parent go to work knowing their child is safe.
“If we’re going to change the rules for our youngest kids, it should be in service of helping more children and serving them better – not undermining the effectiveness of a proven program that helps children and families work toward their dreams,” said Tritten.
The Campaign is urging Coloradans, especially parents, Head Start educators, and families who have relied on the program, to submit a public comment before the comment period closes on October 6, 2026. Comments can be submitted at regulations.gov by searching “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs.” The Campaign is also asking Coloradans to contact their members of Congress and invite them to visit a local Head Start program to see its impact firsthand.
Head Start programs remain open, and services continue as usual. The proposed rule is not final and does not change how programs operate today.
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About the Colorado Children’s Campaign: At the Colorado Children’s Campaign, we use data and research to identify what kids across our state need most, then advocate for policies that strengthen their well‑being and help them thrive. Our focus is the whole child, working across Early Childhood, K‑12 Education, Health, and Economic Security for the greatest long‑term impact. For more information, please visit ColoradoKids.org.