Press Release: 6/12/2026
Healey-Driscoll Administration Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse the Proposed Head Start Rule That Lowers Wages and Makes It Harder to Recruit Providers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
6/11/2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025
Online
Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at jacqui.manning@mass.gov
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is calling on the Trump Administration to reverse a proposed rule that would weaken Head Start programs by eliminating requirements related to educator wages and benefits, making it harder for providers to recruit and retain qualified staff.
The proposed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rule would rescind Head Start wage and benefit requirements and remove expectations that Head Start educators are paid the same as public school teachers. Early education providers and advocates warn that the proposal could worsen workforce shortages, reduce program capacity and limit access to services for children and families who rely on Head Start.
“Head Start helps thousands of children get ready for school and gives parents the support they need to go to work and support their families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “At a time when child care programs are already struggling to recruit and retain staff, this proposal moves us in the wrong direction. President Trump’s proposed rule will hurt our children, families and hardworking child care providers, increasing costs for families and exacerbating workforce shortages. We should be strengthening the early education workforce, not making it harder for programs to keep their doors open and serve children.”
“Massachusetts has made significant progress expanding access to child care, increasing support for educators and helping families afford care,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “But states cannot do this alone. We need a strong federal partner that understands the importance of Head Start and is willing to invest in the workforce that makes these programs possible.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has consistently supported Head Start programs and the early education workforce. During President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ shutdown of the federal government, Governor Healey advanced state Head Start supplemental funding to help several programs remain open so thousands of children could continue receiving supportive services, access education and parents could keep working.
Massachusetts is also one of only a handful of states that supplements federal Head Start funding with state grants. Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, state Head Start supplemental funding has increased by more than $3.5 million annually. Massachusetts also continues to fund the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) operational grant program at the same level previously supported by federal relief funding, helping providers cover operating costs, support educator compensation and retain staff.
“Since he got to office, President Trump has continued to attack Head Start programs, which help break the cycle of multigenerational poverty through comprehensive educational programs. We know that Head Start programs here in Massachusetts and around the country continue to face compensation disparities compared to public school settings. Removing wages and compensation expectations does not help solve this problem – it only makes things worse,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “In Massachusetts, we will continue to do everything we can to take care of children and families.”
“Head Start programs play a vital role in helping children learn, grow, and enter school ready to succeed, while supporting families and strengthening communities,” said Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw. “At a time when early education programs continue to face workforce challenges, the priority should be investing in educators — not weaking expectations for fair and competitive compensation. Massachusetts remains committed to supporting Head Start programs and the children and families they serve.”
Head Start programs provide free, comprehensive early learning, health and family support services to low-income children and families, as well as prenatal services for expectant parents. In Massachusetts, Head Start serves more than 10,000 children annually and employs approximately 3,500 early childhood professionals.
The proposed rule would reverse workforce-related changes adopted under the Biden Administration that were intended to strengthen recruitment and retention in Head Start programs nationwide. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has submitted public comments opposing the proposal and is urging the federal government to maintain expectations that support fair compensation and workforce stability.
"Educators are the most critical component of the Head Start model and low compensation and instability due to federal underfunding have direct consequences for children and families,” said Michelle Haimowitz, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Head Start Association. “Rescinding federal wage and benefit requirements does not solve the underlying problem. We are grateful to work closely with the Healey-Driscoll Administration which has in turn clearly prioritized educator compensation through Head Start State Supplemental Grants and C3. Along with our state leadership, we urge the Administration and Congress to commit to meaningful federal investment and workforce stability to avoid unnecessary disruptions to care for our most vulnerable children and families."
“Head Start programs play a vital role in expanding access to early education and care, which we know is critical for children, families, and our workforce," said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "Any effort to weaken these programs would undermine opportunities for our most vulnerable children and families and should not move forward.”
In Massachusetts, many Head Start programs participate in the state's Child Care Financial Assistance programs, allowing funding streams to be blended so children are served together regardless of funding source. As a result, changes to Head Start funding and workforce policies can have ripple effects throughout the broader early education and child care system across Massachusetts.