Head Start Ditches COVID Rules: Deregulation Hits Playtime
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 17, 2026, Head Start programs won’t have to follow the COVID-19 mitigation policy rule anymore. This change affects all Head Start centers, removing the need to create special COVID-19 plans with their health advisors. It’s a move to cut red tape and make things simpler, with no new costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Head Start COVID-19 Policy Requirement Removed
Starting February 17, 2026 (unless adverse comments are received by January 20, 2026), Head Start programs will no longer be required to have an evidence-based COVID-19 mitigation policy developed in consultation with their Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (HMHSAC). The rule rescinds paragraph 1302.47(b)(9) from the Head Start Program Performance Standards and applies to all Head Start centers.
Paperwork Burden Cut — $17,312 Annual Savings
ACF estimates this rescission will save about $17,312 per year by removing an OMB-approved recordkeeping requirement (OMB control number 0970-0148) tied to updating program policies and procedures. The estimate is based on eliminating 320 annual burden hours at a fully loaded wage rate of $54.10, with a present value of $0.23 million and $0.02 million in annualized terms (2024 dollars, 7% discount rate).
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