Early Childhood Program Leaders Concerned About Proposed Federal Head Start Changes

ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Aug. 17, 2026) – Trimming government “fat” is cutting too close to the bone in some cases.

That’s the sentiment of early childhood organizations in Michigan who have raised concerns about proposals to eliminate much of the existing federal Head Start performance standards, relying more heavily on state requirements for staffing, health screenings, and other health rules.

This could potentially weaken services for low-income children and families, according to Lisa Evans, Executive Director with Community Action Allegan County, who administers Head Start and Early Head Start in her community.

The public comment period for the 200-page Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs proposal runs through October 6th.