IBO's Emma Gossett introduces Head Start rule concerns
Emma Gossett of IBO says the office submitted public comment opposing proposed Head Start rule changes. She describes Head Start's role serving children birth through five and families in poverty, homelessness, foster care, or public benefits.
Good morning, Chair Gutierrez and members of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education.
I am Emma Gossett, lead budget and policy analyst at the New York City Independent Budget Office.
IBO is a nonpartisan independent government agency mandated by the New York City Charter, whose mission is to enhance public understanding of New York City's budget, public policy, and economy through independent analysis.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify at this hearing.
IBO has submitted a public comment to the federal government on proposed rule changes to Head Start programs.
In my testimony, I will discuss potential impacts of these proposed changes, as well as share information on multi-language learners in early childhood education programs operated or contracted by New York City public schools.
Head Start is a federally funded early childhood education program.
It serves children birth through five, as well as pregnant people.
Families are eligible if their income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines or if they are experiencing homelessness, are in foster care, or are receiving public benefits.
IBO's comment to the Federal Register expresses serious concerns and urges the withdrawal of the proposal.
IBO is concerned that the proposed regulation would introduce uncertainty and undermine implementation of Head Start programs that are critical to New York City families.
In addition to providing child care, these programs increase families'access to resources that are crucial to their ability to afford and remain in New York City, including alleviation from food insecurity and increased access to dental, physical, and mental health care, as well as job training programs.
Over the past few years, New York City's Head Start programs have withstood major changes, including the closure of the regional office in New York.
Prior to 2025, New York City Public Schools served as the grant recipient for approximately 30% of Head Start programs in the city.
But their grant was not renewed, and they will no longer oversee Head Start programs.
In the 2024-2025 school year, the 150 New York City Head Start programs served 18,000 children, including 900 homeless students, over 600 students with IEPs, and approximately 30 foster children,
as well as over 580 pregnant women.
These programs are run by highly trained staff and volunteers, who include over 1,400 staff members and over 800 parent volunteers.
There are also other positions that employ New York City residents, which include home visitors and evaluators.
I will now highlight a couple of the proposed changes.