Head Start

Programming that helped thousands of children and families could now be under threat if a new proposal by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is approved after a public comment period that ends next month. Announced in August, the proposal wouldn’t directly cut funding to Head Start — a federal program that provides free childcare and preschool services to low-income families — but it would eliminate many of its federal regulations. Sarasota County providers worry the change could ultimately reduce funding and make it more difficult to maintain support for families.

Head Start programs are running out of funds as the government shutdown enters a record-breaking stalemate.

A new study from the School of Education at Florida Southwestern State College calculates the costs of getting three- and four-year old students prepared…