Trump administration’s proposal could make it easier to suspend or expel Head Start students

Xavier Rogers, who turned two, exhibited behavioral changes such as playing alone and occasionally biting or hitting his classmates. His mother and Early Head Start teachers noticed these shifts. Instead of expelling him, the Chicago-area preschool provided extra support from a mental healthcare team, which helped Xavier grow and develop better self-awareness.

This approach is part of existing Head Start regulations, but the Trump administration proposes to change them. The proposed rule would allow providers to set their own discipline policies based on state and local licensing requirements. Critics fear this could lead to more punitive measures for Head Start students and their families in states without existing protections against exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions.

These practices are linked to negative outcomes, including lower academic achievement and increased depression. Only 14 states and Washington, D.C. have laws aligning with Head Start's rules on exclusionary discipline, leaving 70% of states with fewer safeguards.