Montgomery County leaders are opposing proposed federal changes to Head Start, arguing the changes would weaken standards related to staffing, instructional time, multilingual education and parent involvement.
County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Natali Fani-González and Community Action Board Chair DaVida Rowley announced the County is submitting a joint public comment formally opposing the proposed changes. While County officials said they support efforts to improve administrative efficiency, they argue the proposal would alter key elements of the early childhood education program.
“Head Start has been changing lives in Montgomery County for more than 60 years, giving kids a real shot at showing up to kindergarten ready to learn,” Elrich said. “These proposed changes don’t cut red tape, they cut into what makes the program work: qualified teachers, high-quality early learning, and a voice for parents.”
County officials also raised concerns about potential changes affecting dual-language instruction. Approximately 63% of children enrolled in Montgomery County Head Start come from multilingual households.
Head Start serves approximately 1,000 children each year through Montgomery County Public Schools and community-based programs. According to the County, all infants, toddlers and preschoolers participating locally come from households experiencing economic hardship.
Montgomery County has been a Head Start grantee for more than 60 years and said it will continue advocating for changes that reduce administrative burdens without reducing services or educational standards.
