Kentucky Head Start Association

10/01/2026

Happy Head Start Awareness Month!

For over six decades, Head Start has been changing lives right here in Kentucky. Did you or your child go to Head Start? We want to hear your stories in the comments!

October is Head Start Awareness Month! 💜

For 61 years, Head Start has helped children learn, families grow stronger, and communities thrive.

But Head Start is more than an early childhood education program. It is teachers who know every child by name. Parents building new opportunities for their families. Staff connecting families with the resources they need. Alumni carrying what they learned into classrooms, careers, and communities across the country.

This month, we’re uplifting what makes Head Start work: an extraordinary program, the people who make it possible, and the millions of lives that continue to carry its impact forward.

This is Head Start. Learn more: https://nhsa.org/resource/head-start-awareness-month/

10/01/2026

Public participation is an important part of the federal rulemaking process.

The proposed Head Start NPRM is open for public comment through October 6, 2026. During this period, individuals have the opportunity to review the proposal and share their perspectives.

Comments can include questions, concerns, recommendations, personal experiences, or feedback on how proposed changes may affect Head Start programs and the children and families they serve.

Learn more about the proposed changes:
https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/

Submit a public comment:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ACF-2026-0595/document?withinCommentPeriod=true

09/30/2026

KHSA members brought Kentucky's experiences and successes directly to our congressional offices today. We appreciated the opportunity to provide firsthand perspectives from Head Start programs across the Commonwealth and highlight the importance of maintaining strong, high-quality Head Start services.

09/14/2026

The public comment period for the proposed Head Start NPRM is open through October 6, 2026.

Parents, staff, alumni, community members, and supporters are invited to review the proposal and share their perspectives through the federal public comment process.

📚 Learn more about the proposed changes: https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/

🗣️ Submit a public comment on the Official Federal Rule & Comment Information (Regulations.gov): https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ACF-2026-0595/document?withinCommentPeriod=true

When federal agencies propose regulatory changes, individuals and organizations have the opportunity to provide feedback before a final rule is issued. Comments can include support, concerns, questions, recommendations, or experiences related to the proposal.

09/11/2026

Across the Commonwealth, Head Start programs continue to provide opportunities that help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Our programs remain focused on delivering high-quality early childhood education, family support services, health services, and school readiness opportunities for Kentucky's children and families.

Head Start programs across Kentucky are open and serving families. If you know a child who could benefit from Head Start services, contact your local program to learn more.

Visit http://kyhsa.org/ to find the program in your area.

09/10/2026

Head Start's success is its comprehensive model that supports children and families.

For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided children and families with comprehensive services that promote school readiness, family engagement, health, and child development.

The proposed NPRM includes changes that could significantly impact how the Head Start model is implemented across the country, with implications for service delivery, program quality, family engagement, and child outcomes.

Kentucky's Head Start programs remain committed to providing high-quality services that help children learn, grow, and thrive.

08/31/2026

Want to better understand the proposed changes to Head Start Program Performance Standards?

The proposed rule spans hundreds of pages and covers a wide range of Head Start requirements. To help navigate the proposal, the National Head Start Association has developed a summary highlighting major provisions and topics for consideration.

Whether you're a parent, staff member, governing body member, Policy Council representative, or community partner, this summary is a helpful resource for understanding what is being proposed before the public comment period closes.

📖 Learn more about the proposal here: https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/

08/26/2026

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs. The proposal includes potential changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards that could impact programs serving children and families across Kentucky.

📄 Read the full proposed rule: https://www.regulations.gov/document/ACF-2026-0595-0001

KHSA encourages Head Start staff, parents, community partners, and supporters to stay informed about the proposed changes and what they could mean for local programs.

07/20/2026

On May 18, 2026, Head Start celebrated 61 years of programming and ...

06/25/2026

Take a minute to check out the Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood's Head Start Impact Report 2025.

Across our state, Head Start programs make a lifelong impact on the youngest Kentuckians and serve as a cornerstone of their communities

Today, we thank the dedicated Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Your unwavering commitment to children and families creates strong foundations for lifelong learning, health, and success. Head Start's comprehensive approach to education, family engagement, health, and community partnerships continues to make a lasting impact on Kentucky's youngest learners and their families.

Thank you to every administrator, teacher, family advocate, support staff member, bus driver, cook, volunteer, mentor, and community partner who works tirelessly to ensure children have the opportunities they deserve. Your passion, dedication, and belief in the potential of every child help strengthen families, communities, and the future of our Commonwealth and that is evident through the 2025 Head Start Impact Report.