Federal Head Start overhaul could impact more than 20,000 Georgia children

A new plan by the federal government could impact Head Start programs in Georgia. 

Head Start centers nationwide serve around 700,000 children providing early childhood education, health, nutrition and family support services to low-income children.

Officials with the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday plans to overhaul the program, throwing out many regulations. The department argues that the changes will improve the way early learning centers operate by reducing red tape and creating more than 200,000 additional slots.

Juanita Yancey, the executive officer of the Georgia Head Start Association, told CBS News that they are reviewing the rule changes.

“The test is whether the proposed services serves more children, whether it strengthens outcomes, preserves accountability, maintains local flexibility, and remains grounded in evidence and the law,” she said.

Georgia Head Start leaders worry the changes will result in less accountability and lower quality programs.

Kristin Bernhard, the chief executive officer for the Georgia Early Alliance for Ready Students, told CBS News the Head Start program represents a critical part of Georgia’s early childhood education system.

“More than 20,000 toddlers, infants, and preschoolers in Georgia participate in Head Start. That is across 350 sites that collectively employ over 6,000 Georgians,” she said.

Federal officials say the changes could save more than $2.2 billion.

The public has until Oct. 6 to provide public comment on the changes through the online portal at regulations.gov.