Day 12 of the 20-Day Public Comment Challenge: English-Only Versus Dual Language Support
Today’s Prompt:
The rule pushes toward English-only instruction while the Head Start Act still requires support for children learning two languages. Ask ACF which requirement controls when the two conflict. Then describe one classroom moment where a child’s home language mattered.
Day 12 Prompts for the Action Alert
Staff: “I work with dual language learners at [program]. Home languages include [list], about [number or percent] of our enrollment. [One moment where a child’s home language mattered: a new child’s first week, a conversation with a parent.]”
Parent: “My child speaks [language] at home. [What support in that language has meant for my child.]”
Community Partner: “As [title] at [organization], we serve the same [language] community. [Why continuity between Head Start and your program matters.]”
Where it says that: The Head Start Act’s dual language requirement is at Section 641A(a)(1)(B)(x) and is unchanged by this rule. The proposed regulation still pushes toward English-only instruction.
This is one of 20 daily prompts. You don’t have to wait, browse them all and submit on any prompt that fits your situation, anytime between now and October 6. See the rest on the 20-Day Comment Challenge page.
Wondering how public comments help? Watch a 3-minute explainer
This short video walks through what the proposal would change, why it matters, and exactly how to submit a comment, even if you’ve never done this before.
How to leave an impactful comment
You don’t need to be a policy expert to submit a strong comment, and you don’t need to cover every issue in the proposal. In fact, a comment that focuses on one thing is often more powerful than one that tries to address everything.
- Focus on one area of the proposal you feel most passionate about.
- Add a short, real story about how that change would affect you, your child, or your classroom.
- Submit it before October 6, 2026.
Advocacy Is How Head Start Wins
Advocacy is central to WHSA’s mission. Whether it’s protecting funding, shaping policy, or making sure lawmakers hear directly from the people doing this work, your voice matters. Here’s how to get involved:
Join Our Advocacy Email List
Stay informed on policy updates and action opportunities
View NPRM Resources from our friends at Together for Head Start
Together for Head Start has put together many resources on their linktr.ee/headstartnprm
Explore Our Advocacy Link Tree
One place for all our advocacy tools and resources
Complete WHSA's 2-part Action Alert
This Action Alert sends a message directly to your elected officials, and submits a comment! Two very impactful ways to speak up for Head Start, in one.
