# HHS Considers Head Start Rule Changes

HHS is considering proposed changes to Head Start that would remove federal requirements for classroom size, instruction, and health screenings. Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly urged HHS to preserve the standards, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and attorneys general from 24 states and the District of Columbia asked President Donald Trump to reconsider the changes. The program serves about 750,000 children nationwide, including 15,000 in Kentucky. For Head Start grantees, providers, and contractors, changes to these standards could affect service delivery and the requirements reflected in program plans and supporting procurements; the signals identify no solicitation, contract award, funding value, or comment deadline.

- Organizations serving Head Start programs should assess how potential changes to classroom, instructional, and health-screening standards could affect their delivery models and related procurement needs.
- The signals describe a proposed policy change, not a procurement opportunity or finalized requirement. No specific contract action or funding change is identified.
- Head Start providers and contractors can use the stated areas of potential change to evaluate which services and requirements in their current program work could be affected.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Education, Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Policy, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Head Start Program
- U.S. Senate
- Commonwealth of Kentucky

### Key Quotes
> Data shows the effectiveness of Head Start when it comes to our children, as well as the opportunities it provides to parents and caregivers to rejoin the workforce and boost our economy. I urge the President to continue this proven program rather than jeopardize the progress we’ve made – and the success yet to come.
> — Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

### Sources
- [Gallego, Kelly Sound Alarm on Proposed Rule Change to Head Start Program](https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-sound-alarm-on-proposed-rule-change-to-head-start-program/) - Gallego Senate
- [
	
	Activity Stream
](https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=2869) - KY