Item:
Title
Approve Submission of Written Comments in the Federal Register Regarding Proposed Rule Changes to Head Start Performance Standards
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: September 28, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve submission of written comments from the Board of County Commissioners in the Federal Register regarding the proposed rule changes to Head Start Performance Standards.
The attached letter outlines Durham County’s concerns regarding proposed changes to the Head Start guidelines by the Office of Head Start (OHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The letter summarizes the impact of proposed changes on Durham families and Durham PreK and emphasizes the importance of preserving rules that contribute to high-quality early care and education and comprehensive family services. The written comments must be submitted in the Federal Register by October 6, 2026.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: Head Start programs most closely align with DCo Forward Empowered Community (EC 1a, EC 1b, EC 1c, EC 1d, EC 2a, EC 2b, EC 2c,) and Healthy and Inclusive Community (HI 1b, HI 3b) focus areas.
Resource Persons: Ileana Vink, County Early Childhood Coordinator; Kate Irish, Durham’s Partnership for Children; Terry David, North Carolina Head Start Association
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board submit comments in the Federal Register regarding the proposed rule changes to Head Start Performance Standards.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________