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H.R. 5774: Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025

The Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025 aims to protect and restore the Head Start program, which has been a key initiative in early childhood education since 1965. This legislation introduces amendments to the existing Head Start Act with several key components:

Legislative Purpose

The bill's purpose is to ensure the continued operation and integrity of the Head Start program and to prevent any proposals aimed at eliminating this program. The Act emphasizes the importance of Head Start in enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of eligible children.

Establishment of the Office of Head Start

This bill establishes the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, which will maintain:

A central office and 12 regional offices that were operational before January 20, 2025.
The internal organizational structure present at the Office of Head Start before this date.

Staffing and Functions

The Office of Head Start must:

Retain full staffing levels that were in place immediately prior to January 20, 2025.
Carry out functions including policy direction, budget planning, and oversight of the Head Start program operations.

Each regional office will have a Regional Program Manager, and the structure of these offices will reflect what was in place before the stated date, focusing on grants operating in their respective regions, including provisions for American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, as well as Migrant and Seasonal Head Start grants.

Limitations on Authority

The bill places limitations on the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the Office of Head Start, specifically preventing any restructuring or reduction in staff levels unless compliant with this new legislation. The Secretary must also provide notice and justification to Congress and the public at least 60 days before proposing any changes affecting the Office of Head Start.

Overall Impact

The Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025 underscores the value of the Head Start program in providing critical services to underprivileged children and families, ensuring its sustained operation and the resources necessary to continue supporting these communities effectively.