Gutiérrez questions IBO on Head Start rule timing and impacts
Gutiérrez asks whether conversations or plans are underway about the Head Start changes. Gossett says the rule is not final, public comments are due October 6, and families may seek NYCPS or private programs if English-only rules take effect.
Thank you so much, Emma.
And this is a really thorough and thoughtful testimony.
I guess what I don't know if we heard directly from NYCPS on this specific Head Start changes, but do you know of any of these conversations or plans that are in motion?
potentially considering, I mean, this is the whole purpose of the hearing today, really, is to understand the families, the student population, and to identify how we can better serve
or identify holes.
But have some of these conversations started happening?
I mean, I think the 2-3K classrooms are great, but my God, it's 2-3K classrooms, right?
What can we be doing or what has started?
Yeah, I think in terms of Head Start, the changes aren't finalized.
So the proposed rules, public comments are accepted until October 6th for anyone interested.
And so I think once if those are adopted and if those regulations come into effect, they may.
Impact the number of students who are seeking dual language programs, but I don't think that there are any currently because those changes aren't in place yet.
Okay.
And do you, I mean, do you anticipate the same for just multi-language learners in, you know, if they do go into effect where...
They might be leading on an NYCPS program.
Yeah, I think if there are Head Start programs that stop using other languages, those families may look not only to NYCPS, but also to private programs if they can afford them, or family members who could care for them.
And I think language is certainly...
A strength of Head Start, 73% of students speak another language in a Head Start program, which is, I mean, even higher than NYCPS.
So
I think it's definitely an important part of the program, and there are certainly concerns.
Sure.
And you mentioned the deadline for public comment is on the 6th.
Can you just share on the record where people can share their public comment?
Absolutely.
On the Federal Register, if you look up proposed changes to Head Start, you'll be able to find it.
Oh, dear.
Well, I encourage everyone to submit a testimony.
And thank you again so much for testifying today.
Thank you.
Have a great day.
You too.