Raleigh -- October 19, 2026: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined a multistate coalition urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to withdraw proposed changes to Head Start, warning that the revisions could reduce services and make programs harder to operate, particularly in rural communities.
In an Oct. 12 news release, the North Carolina Department of Justice said the proposals would lower program standards and restrict allowable administrative costs. The coalition argues that the changes conflict with federal law and could undermine access to early childhood education.
Head Start provides federally funded early education, health services and family support. According to the department, the program serves more than 750,000 children nationwide, including more than 17,000 in North Carolina.
“Head Start supports thousands of children in North Carolina,” Jackson said. “These unlawful changes don’t meet what Congress intended to accomplish with the program, and it would harm the children and families who rely on the program for access to early childhood education.”
Concerns About Staffing, Health Services and Access
The coalition says HHS is proposing to eliminate more than 1,400 standards that help guide Head Start services. Among the provisions identified in the release are requirements addressing child-to-staff ratios, class sizes, health screenings and services for children with disabilities.
The attorneys general also oppose proposed changes to eligibility determinations, attendance rules and allowable administrative expenses.
According to the coalition, the revisions could result in larger classes, fewer teachers and support staff, shorter program days and reduced services. The officials warn that some programs could close or enroll fewer children, placing additional pressure on families seeking care.
For North Carolina, the coalition’s concerns include the potential effect on rural communities, where losing a provider could further limit available childcare options.
Coalition Challenges Federal Authority
The coalition contends that the proposed rule exceeds HHS’s authority under the Head Start Act. Its argument includes a provision of the law that, according to the release, prohibits reducing the quality, scope or type of required services below standards implemented during the George W. Bush administration.
The officials also argue that HHS has not adequately considered the consequences for states and families, relies on flawed economic assumptions and has not sufficiently explained the proposed changes.
Those assertions represent the coalition’s legal position. The release does not report a court ruling on the proposals or include a response from HHS.
Officials Seek Withdrawal of Proposals
Jackson joined attorneys general from 23 other states and the District of Columbia, along with Kentucky’s governor, in calling on HHS to withdraw the proposed changes.
The coalition’s request concerns proposed federal rules. The Oct. 12 announcement does not indicate that the changes have taken effect or announce the closure of any North Carolina Head Start program.
Source: North Carolina Department of Justice, Oct. 12, 2026, news release.