New Head Start Final Rule Significantly Improves Workforce Compensation, Better Supports Children & Families

The Office of Head Start has implemented new rules to stabilize the Head Start workforce by updating wage and benefit requirements, breaks for staff, and enhanced support for staff health and wellness. The program’s mental health services have also been updated to better integrate mental health into every aspect of program service delivery.

Specific high-level details of the new Head Start Final Rule include:

Increasing workforce compensation and benefits. The final rule increases teacher wages and benefits, with an estimated increase to Head Start teacher salaries by $10,000, add paid leave for full-time employees, include access . . .