Kelly, Gallego Push to Protect Head Start Services for Arizona Families

Arizona Senators urge the Department of Health and Human Services to not dilute quality, requirements for the Head Start Program

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect the quality of Head Start services that more than 16,000 Arizona children and their families rely on.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams, Kelly and Gallego raised concerns about a proposed rule, "Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs," that would remove federal requirements for classroom sizes, instruction, and health screenings. The senators urged HHS to preserve standards that help ensure Arizona children receive quality early education and care.

"Head Start offers a place to learn, build relationships, and receive care during years that are important to a child's development," the senators wrote. "These programs are an important part of Arizona communities and give families in need the support they may struggle to find or afford."

In Arizona, Head Start and Early Head Start serve 16,172 children across 332 program sites, providing early education, meals, and health services at no cost to families. These programs also help parents maintain employment and continue their education, with 76 percent of Head Start parents working, attending school, or participating in job training.

Head Start and Early Head Start is especially important to communities where families have few child care options - including rural Arizona. There the programs provide about 17 percent of child care and serve 1,943 children eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1,291 children experiencing homelessness, and 459 children in foster care statewide.

The senators also included letters from Arizona elected officials and organizations to highlight their concerns and show the importance of the Head Start program, including the Office of the Governor of Arizona and the Arizona Head Start Association, among others.

"We urge the Department to carefully review the enclosed letters and work with Arizona organizations to address their concerns before moving forward with changes to the program. Head Start is essential to thousands of Arizona families, and any changes must protect the quality of the education and services they receive," the senators concluded.

Kelly also joined today 38 Senate colleagues to highlight the national impact of the proposed rule's changes on children, educators, and families.

Read the full letter here.