By Katie Hamm
As many of you begin the program year, I am writing with an update on the COVID-19 mitigation requirements for Head Start programs. The Office of Head Start (OHS) is working hard to finalize these regulations. However, this will not happen before you begin your new program year.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance on COVID-19 on Aug. 11, 2022. We are currently reviewing this guidance and will be in touch with any updates to Head Start policies.
I encourage you to continue using a combination of tools to reduce COVID-19 risks in Head Start programs, including those highlighted in the most recent CDC guidance. We advise all Head Start programs to monitor the COVID-19 Community Level and follow recommended CDC guidelines, which include wearing a high-quality mask indoors when the COVID-19 Community Level is high. At a high COVID-19 Community Level, universal indoor masking in schools and early care and education programs is recommended, as it is in the community at-large.
Importantly, most Head Start children can now get a vaccine, which has been shown to offer significant protection against severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. We encourage you to read this recent letter from leaders at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education for information on how you can support vaccine access for our youngest children, and to encourage family members and staff to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
In February 2022, OHS notified grant recipients that programs will not be monitored for mask use given the updated CDC mask guidance. The approach remains the same as we begin the new program year. Should this change, OHS will provide ample notification and time for training and implementation prior to monitoring programs.
The requirements of the Interim Final Rule do not apply in states with an injunction, which prevents implementation and enforcement of the rule. OHS will update grant recipients immediately if there are any further developments.
I wish you a safe and joyous beginning to the program year as you welcome children and families. Your service matters, and I am grateful for all you continue to do to keep children and families safe.
Katie Hamm is the acting director of the Office of Head Start and deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Early Childhood Development.