Javier Negrón, president of the Puerto Rico Association of Head Start Directors, warned that proposed reforms to federal Head Start rules could affect the quality and operation of services received by more than 21,300 children and their families on the island. The concerns are part of a joint position by the Puerto Rico associations of Head Start Parents, Directors, Friends, and Employees, submitted in response to a proposed regulatory notice aimed at reducing federal administrative burdens.
Key concerns include a proposal for English-only instruction, a reduction of the administrative cost cap from 15% to 5%, and the need to clarify how the term "State" in the regulation would apply to Puerto Rico. Eddie Torres Vázquez, president of the Asociación de Amigos Head Start Puerto Rico, said the groups do not oppose teaching English as a second language but want Puerto Rico to keep a bilingual model reflecting that Spanish is the primary language of children, families, and staff.
On administrative costs, the associations noted the funds cover accounting, human resources, audits, planning, facility rental, and service coordination, and proposed setting the cap at 10% instead, with transition periods and exemptions.