Spokane Colleges Chancellor Dr. Kevin Brockbank is encouraging members of the community to learn more about proposed changes to the federal Head Start program and consider submitting public comments before the Oct. 6 deadline.
Spokane Colleges administers Head Start programs at 11 locations in Spokane, serving about 700 children annually. The proposed federal rule, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in August, is intended to reduce administrative requirements, give states and local programs greater flexibility and shift more authority to local decision-making.
Among other changes, the proposal would replace federally established limits on class sizes and staff-to-child ratios with standards based on state and local requirements. It also would reduce the federal limit on allowable administrative costs from 15% to 5% of a program's total approved costs. The federal government says the changes would reduce regulatory burden and allow programs to direct more resources toward services and enrollment.
Brockbank said Spokane Colleges supports flexibility for local programs but is concerned that some of the proposed changes could affect the quality and range of services Head Start provides.
“We recognize the value of providing local programs with some flexibility, but flexibility should not come at the expense of the quality and safety and comprehensive approach to early learning,” Brockbank said.
Head Start combines early learning with services such as health screenings, nutrition, disability services and family support. Spokane Colleges officials say those comprehensive services are particularly important for families who may also be working, attending college or pursuing workforce training.
Bobbi Woodral, Spokane Colleges’ District Director of Head Start, said the program’s role extends beyond early education.
“Head Start levels the playing field for underserved kids,” Woodral said.
For Brockbank, the proposed changes also raise questions about the program’s ability to maintain its current level of service if requirements and funding structures change.
“The options of how to change funding or get those things from the state or everything, those are really limited,” Brockbank said. “And with the size and impact of this program, it would be almost impossible to duplicate it without that federal funding.”
The proposed rule remains under consideration, and public comments are being accepted through Oct. 6. Community members can review the proposal and submit comments through the federal government's public comment process.
For Spokane Colleges, Brockbank said the public comment period provides an opportunity for people who have experience with Head Start — including families, educators, community partners and others — to share their perspectives as the proposed changes are considered.