HARRISBURG, PA (October 21, 2026) — Pennsylvania leaders, Head Start providers, teachers, and families gathered at the Capitol today to celebrate more than 60 years of Head Start success and to oppose a proposed federal rule that would eliminate many of the standards that make the program work. The event, held in the Main Rotunda and featuring a Pumpkin Patch display, drew bipartisan support from the Early Childhood Education Caucus and highlighted what is at stake for more than 30,000 Pennsylvania children.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed a rule that would significantly rewrite Head Start Program Performance Standards governing class size, services for children with disabilities, staffing, health and mental health services, workforce qualifications, transportation, and other critical components of Head Start and Early Head Start. The proposed rule would increase class sizes by 33%, reduce the number of teachers and support staff, weaken health and mental health services, and remove protections against suspension and expulsion.
“By a margin of nearly three to one, Pennsylvania voters oppose the federal government’s proposal to eliminate many of the current federal standards for Head Start. Sixty-five percent of voters oppose eliminating these standards. Only 25% support the proposal,” stated Representative Pat Harkins (D-1), Early Childhood Education Caucus co-chair. “Pennsylvanians understand something fundamental: Head Start works, and the standards that make it work should not be eliminated.”
The polling confirms what advocates have long understood about public sentiment on Head Start. A September 2026 survey conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research found that 82% of Pennsylvania voters support increased funding for Head Start, while a separate survey conducted in March 2026 found that 65% of voters oppose eliminating the program’s federal standards; a margin of nearly three to one. Support for the program has remained consistent across party lines, age groups, and regions of the Commonwealth, underscoring that protecting Head Start is not a partisan issue but a Pennsylvania priority.
“For more than 60 years, Head Start has been a federally funded program that has changed lives. And here in Pennsylvania, we recognized its value and built on it,” described Senator Pat Stefano (R-32), Early Childhood Education Caucus co-chair. “In 2004, the Commonwealth established the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program, a state investment to reach more children and families than federal funding alone could allow. That program has been a bipartisan success ever since.”
Speakers emphasized that children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness or trauma, children in foster care, and families in rural communities would be harmed first and worst. The federal proposal comes as Pennsylvania continues to face significant challenges recruiting and retaining early childhood educators. Reducing workforce standards would further complicate efforts to retain and build a stable, skilled, and well-compensated workforce.
“As a working mom, I understand this on a very personal level. I understand the challenge of finding and affording quality care. I understand wanting a consistent, experienced teacher for your child,” shared Representative Shelby Labs (R-143), Early Childhood Education Caucus co-chair. “And I can appreciate the immense stress families feel when they get a notification that a classroom might close due to staffing shortages or a lack of funding. I believe we must ensure the programs we have are stable and strong.”
HHS’s own analysis shows that the projected $2.2 billion in savings would come from reduced staffing, services, and safety protections, meaning expansion would come at the direct expense of quality. Weakening federal standards would undermine both the federal investment and Pennsylvania’s long-standing bipartisan commitment to expanding access to high-quality Head Start services through the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program since 2004.
“Head Start supports over 30,000 Pennsylvania families with parents who are employed, in school, or in job training. The results speak for themselves,” stated Senator Judy Schwank (D-11), Early Childhood Education Caucus co-chair. “Head Start alumni are more likely to be ready for kindergarten, graduate from high school, and secure stable employment. They are the proof that this investment pays a lifetime of dividends.”
Speakers at today’s event included Kara McFalls, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Head Start Association; Senator Judy Schwank; Representative Shelby Labs; Representative Patrick Harkins; Jillian Karman, Head Start teacher and former Head Start parent; Desmond Hunter, former Head Start student and Head Start parent; Nyanda Finley de Santos, Director of Family and Community Engagement at Community Services for Children; and Jhanna Almonte, former Head Start parent.
Advocates urged supporters to contact their members of Congress and share their stories to protect Head Start’s quality standards and full funding.
CONTACT:
Jodi Askins
Pre-K for PA
jodiaskins@gmail.com | 272.444.1860
Kara McFalls
PA Head Start Association
kara@paheadstart.org | 443.336.9222