Explore FAQs below on submitting comments to the Federal Register for consideration.

Who can submit public comments?

Anyone can submit public comment. We encourage all stakeholders to engage with our rulemaking process and have their voices heard!

Where do I submit a public comment?

Electronic submission is our preferred method for receiving comments. To get started, select “Comment” from the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking page. 

We also accept comments via the United States Postal Office to:

Office of Head Start
Attention: Director of Policy and Planning
330 C Street SW, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20201

Comments are accepted for 60 days after NPRM publication.

Who can view my public comments?

All of the comments we receive become part of the public record and are posted for public viewing on Regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name or address) submitted voluntarily will be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential, sensitive, or protected information.

How do I submit a comment on Regulations.gov?

The "Comment" button can be found on the following pages:

• Docket Details page when a document within the docket is open for comment
• Document Details page when the document is open for comment
• Document Search Tab with all search results open for comment displaying a "Comment" button

Selecting "Comment" on any of the above pages will display the comment form. You can enter your comment on the form, attach files (maximum of 20 files up to 10MB each), and choose whether to identify yourself as an individual, an organization, or anonymously. Be sure to complete all required fields depending on which identity you have chosen. Please note that information entered on the web form may be viewable publicly. Once you have completed all required fields and chosen an identity, the "Submit Comment" button is enabled.

Upon completion, you will receive a Comment Tracking Number for your comment.

Tips for Commenting

The most helpful comments clearly communicate and support your position, whether you are for or against the proposed action. Here are some tips:

• Plan ahead. The comment period closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date, usually 60 days after publication. Planning ahead helps to ensure that you submit your comments well before the deadline.
• Contact the agency. If you have questions or do not understand a part of the regulatory document, reach out to the agency contact person listed on the document before submitting your comment.
• Identify the issues. In your comment, clearly identify which issues you are commenting on within the regulatory action. Provide the page number, column, and/or paragraph from the Federal Register if you are commenting on a particular word, phrase, or sentence.
• Selection is fine. You do not have to comment on every issue in a rule. You may select the issues on which you wish to comment.
• Address specific agency requests. The Department often requests comments on specific parts of proposed rules. This may be a helpful place to focus your comments.
• Details, details. Constructive, detailed comments — whether positive or negative — are most helpful. If you agree with a proposed action, your comments are helpful to show that the public wants or needs the proposed action. If you disagree with a proposed action, suggest an alternative (including not regulating at all) and include an explanation of how the alternative might meet the same objective or be more effective. Evidence-based information is particularly helpful.

What if I have more questions about how to submit public comment?

The Department of Health and Human Services Regulations Toolkit features additional resources, including tips for submitting effective public comments and instructional videos from Regulations.gov.

Review the Commenting FAQs from Regulations.gov for more resources to assist you through this process. 

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Last Updated: August 21, 2024