New proposed federal rules on Head Start would weaken the quality and standards of early childhood programs across the country, with a particularly adverse impact on multilingual learners. These proposed rules would require Head Start to conduct all programming and create all materials in English rather than meeting the linguistic and cultural needs of specific communities, and reduce capacity for and potentially eliminate positions related to bilingual education. We agree with our friends at NABE that English development and multilingualism can—and should—coexist.
The public can comment on these proposed rules through October 6th, and we encourage you to submit a comment opposing the English-only mandate and other changes that adversely impact our early childhood students, educators, staff and families. Together, we can make our voices heard to advocate for an early childhood program that supports *all* learners.
You may also email your comment to Deregulation@acf.hhs.gov. Include “ACF-2026-0595” or “RIN 0970-AD30” in the subject line.
SAMPLE PUBLIC COMMENT (via NABE):
“I strongly oppose the proposed English-only requirement for Head Start under § 1301.04(a). Children can develop strong English proficiency while continuing to learn and communicate in their home languages. A child’s home language supports learning, family engagement, cultural identity, and healthy development.
Multilingual services are essential—not ‘non-essential.’ Head Start should build upon the linguistic strengths children bring to the classroom, not require them to sacrifice their home languages to succeed.
I urge the Administration for Children and Families to withdraw the proposed English-only requirement and preserve policies that support English development, home-language development, meaningful family engagement, and culturally and linguistically responsive early childhood education.”
Please personalize the message by explaining how this proposal would affect your students, children, families, program, or community.
Share this information with friends and colleagues to demand they take action too! Every comment matters. Every voice matters. Together, we must stand up for multilingual children and families.
