Rep. Peters and Healthcare, Childcare Providers Denounce Trump Administration’s Threats to Child Welfare

San Diego, CA - Today, Rep. Scott Peters convened children's healthcare and childcare providers to increase awareness of President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy's recent changes that threaten children's health and wellbeing.

In early August, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced proposed rule changes to Head Start, the nation's early education program for children from low-income families. The move would diminish the program's federal standards and give states and parents more control. A few weeks later, President Trump signed an Executive Order that alters the childhood vaccine schedule and promotes his widely discredited theories about vaccines.

"Back to school season should be an exciting time with new opportunities for kids to learn and grow. But this year, too many parents are forced to worry about the welfare of their children thanks to recent changes from the Trump Administration that threaten their ability to thrive," said Rep. Peters. "The bottom line is that vaccines keep kids healthy. Head Start ensures every child has an equal opportunity to succeed. Yet from every angle, the Trump Administration's deregulation efforts set kids up for failure."

"My message is simple: San Diego Unified will continue following the advice from early childhood medical experts, not politically influenced directives that are in no way based on scientific evidence," said San Diego Unified School Board Vice President Sabrina Bazzo. "We will keep advocating, alongside Congressman Peters, for full Head Start funding and for vaccine guidance based on data, not ideology. Because we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure the health and safety of our students."

"August is back-to-school season for children across California, where they'll spend time learning, playing, and yes, sharing germs," said Pia Pannaraj, MD, MPH, American Academy of Pediatrics - California Chapter 3 (AAP-CA3). "Non-expert changes to child and adolescent immunization recommendations needlessly put the health and well-being of kids and our communities at risk and create more confusion for parents and caregivers. Here's what I tell parents who come to my clinic with questions: despite the confusing and conflicting information out there, the science hasn't changed. Your pediatricians continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' immunization recommendations because they help keep kids healthy, in the classroom, and ahead of serious, preventable diseases. I encourage parents with questions or concerns to talk with their child's pediatrician."

"We must keep the promise and build Head Start for what's next. Fewer rules cannot equal fewer results," said Damon Carson, General Manager, Neighborhood House Association. "Fewer hours, more turnover, or less experienced staff may save money on one line of a budget, but they create costs somewhere else - for programs, families, and children. And the more resources we have, the earlier we can identify a concern, and the earlier a family can act. Neighborhood House Association staff, families, and partners can submit their own comments on the proposed rules at regulations.gov before the October 6 deadline."

"The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to community well-being and belonging. Alongside critical community partners, we support wholistic family health, which includes access to early care and education," said Courtney Baltiyskyy, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, YMCA of San Diego County. "As one of the largest childcare and after school providers in the county, the Y strengthens the broader childcare landscape by supporting families, providers, and employers while advancing systems that work better for everyone. When we think about a thriving San Diego, we know a continuum of quality care and education includes our valuable Head Start programs."

President Trump's most recent Executive Order on childhood vaccines would stagger the administration of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Public health experts have raised concerns that this creates an increased risk of infection. As kids begin the new school year and during National Immunization Awareness Month, Rep. Peters is calling attention to these changes and encouraging parents to speak out and protect their children.

Simultaneously, the regulatory changes to Head Start would deregulate the program's student-teacher ratios, staff qualifications, child development screenings, background checks, and safety rules. These rules are not final and are currently in a public comment period until October 6, 2026. San Diegans can share their thoughts on the proposed changes here.

A livestreamed recording of the press conference can be viewed here. Additional photos from the event, courtesy of the office of Rep. Scott Peters, can be viewed here.

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