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For decades, Head Start has played an important role in supporting young children with disabilities and their families, serving millions of children since its inception. It provides early learning, support, and resources to young children and their families, including children with disabilities. A proposed federal rule would remove the part of Head Start’s rules that focuses on services for children with disabilities. This includes requirements for accommodations, individualized support, inclusion, working with IDEA agencies, transition support, and helping families navigate disability services.

The proposed rule would also remove the current rule that says Head Start programs cannot deny enrollment because of a child’s disability or chronic health condition. It could also make it easier for programs to suspend or remove children, including children whose disabilities affect their behavior. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 would still provide important protections, they do not include all of the protections currently found in Head Start’s rules. This could mean that some protections vary based on where a child lives or which Head Start program they attend.

The proposed changes would also remove requirements for child screenings, assessments, referrals to IDEA agencies, and follow-up. The changes would reduce some requirements for family engagement and parent involvement as well. Early screening and strong family involvement can help children with disabilities get support early and help parents take an active role in their child’s education and services.

Every child deserves the chance to learn, participate, and feel included. Every family deserves clear protections and support. Families, educators, disability advocates, and community members can submit public comments on the proposed changes through October 6, 2026. Take action and tell federal decision-makers to preserve Head Start’s disability protections.