Nebraska Head Start Association

10/06/2026

🍂 NeHSA at the National Head Start Association Fall Institute! 🍂

What an incredible opportunity for some of our NeHSA members to attend the National Head Start Association's Fall Institute and bring the voices of Nebraska Head Start families, staff, and programs to the national conversation! ❤️💙

While in Washington, D.C., our Nebraska members had the opportunity to visit with our Nebraska Representatives and advocate for the importance of Head Start and Early Head Start. We shared the impact these programs have on children, families, and communities across our state—and why continued support and investment in Head Start matters.

Advocacy is such an important part of what we do. When we come together and share our stories, experiences, and the difference Head Start makes every day, our voices are stronger!

We are proud of our Nebraska Head Start community and grateful to everyone who continues to stand up for children, families, and the future of Head Start. 🌟

Nebraska Head Start is making a difference—and we’re making sure our voices are heard!

10/06/2026

October is Head Start Awareness Month!

Join FFYF in October - and all year really - in celebrating this incredible program, the educators and providers who make it work, and the families who make Head Start the inspiring program it is.

Visit FFYF.org/headstart to learn more about this amazing program!

09/30/2026

Head Start is so much more than preschool. ❤️

We encourage our NeHSA community to take a few minutes to read this important perspective from Mark Haba, a parent leader and advocate who has experienced the impact of Head Start and Early Head Start firsthand with his own children.

Mark shares why families are concerned about proposed federal rule changes and what could be at stake — from early identification and services for children with disabilities, to meaningful communication with families, access for families facing difficult circumstances, and the parent leadership and decision-making opportunities that make Head Start unique.

As Mark reminds us, parents don’t just provide input in Head Start. Through Policy Councils and other leadership opportunities, parents have a meaningful role in shaping the programs that serve their children and communities.

At NeHSA, we believe families are essential partners in Head Start. Protecting strong family engagement, comprehensive services, and meaningful parent participation is an investment in children, families, and communities across Nebraska.

📖 Read Mark Haba’s full column and his perspective on why we need to protect what makes Head Start work.
https://journalstar.com/opinion/column/article_816e0979-996a-4be1-b72f-a7af038e787d.html

Thank you, Mark, for sharing your family’s story and using your voice to advocate for children and families! 💙

A Head Start parent and board member says proposed federal rule changes could affect services, eligibility and parents’ role in program decisions.

09/30/2026

The deadline is approaching fast to provide comment on the newly proposed federal Head Start Rules. If enacted, these rules could significantly affect Head Start’s ability to serve more than 700,000 children across the country, including more than 5,000 children in Nebraska.
Learn more about the proposed rule changes and how you can weigh in before the comment period ends October 6: https://firstfivenebraska.org/administrative-policy/ Also check out this Nebraska Head Start Fact sheet from First Five Years Fund to understand this program’s statewide impact:https://www.ffyf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026HS_NE.pdf

Submit your comment on the Federal Register website: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/07/2026-16134/reducing-federal-burden-for-head-start-programs Read through the proposal and then click the green “Submit a Public Comment” button top right to begin.

09/29/2026

Federal officials are considering changes to Head Start that could significantly reduce standards for the program’s support services. These changes would remove evidence-based guidance for services including support for children with disabilities, healthcare coordination, home visiting for pregnant women and services that promote young children’s development.
These are among the reasons we are encouraging Head Start supporters, families, providers and community partners to review the proposal and submit a public comment in opposition to the proposed changes by the October 6 deadline.
Learn more about the proposed rule changes and how you can weigh in: https://firstfivenebraska.org/administrative-policy/
Also check out this new Nebraska Head Start Fact sheet from First Five Years Fund to understand this program’s statewide impact:https://www.ffyf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026HS_NE.pdf
Submit your comment on the Federal Register website: Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/07/2026-16134/reducing-federal-burden-for-head-start-programs Read through the proposal and then click the green “Submit a Public Comment” button top right to begin.

09/24/2026

09/24/2026

On August 7, Health and Human Services released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs.”

R7HSA does not support an overhaul of the Head Start Program Performance Standards of this magnitude and opposes this rule.

R7HSA encourages parents, educators, community members, and all Head Start champions to submit a comment. The public comment period closes October 6.

Together for Head Start has provided “A Simple Guide to Submitting a Public Comment” at https://docs.google.com/.../1BnKPdYNg78QTRDSVHZaQOvr.../edit

Make your voice heard! Protect Head Start!

09/23/2026

Thank you to Nebraska State Senators Senator Jana Hughes (District 24), Mike Jacobson (District 42), and Dan Quick (District 35) for sharing their insights today at the Thriving Children Conference. Special thanks to Senator Jason Prokop for moderating this important conversation on policy and the state's role in supporting children and families. Jason Prokop for Legislature - District 27

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

💙 A HUGE Thank You to Our NeHSA Advisory Committee! 💙

As we look back on the past year, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication, time, and commitment of our NeHSA Advisory Committee Members. Your ideas, support, feedback, and willingness to roll up your sleeves and be part of the work have made such a difference.

✨ We have accomplished SO much together! ✨

Our Advisory Committee plays an important role in helping us strengthen our programs, support the families and children we serve, and continue moving NeHSA forward. We truly appreciate every member who has shared their time and talents with us throughout the year.

And we’d love to welcome new voices and new perspectives! If you know someone who may be interested in learning more about becoming part of the NeHSA Advisory Committee, we encourage you to invite them to reach out.

📧 Interested individuals can email [email protected] to request an official invitation and RSVP information.

Thank you to each and every one of you for being part of the NeHSA family and for helping us make a difference in the communities we serve! ❤️

Here’s to another year of working, growing, and accomplishing great things together! 🌟