NHSA Statement on Final Rule for Masking and Vaccinations

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Administration released a Final Rule on the Head Start Interim Final Rule with Comments (IFC) issued in the fall of 2021. The Final Rule removes the mask mandate for all children, staff, volunteers, and contractors in Head Start programs and requires all Head Start programs to establish a COVID safety protocol moving forward. Disappointingly, it does not address the vaccination requirements.

“Head Start programs nationwide have been recognized for their successful work to keep children safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We have every confidence that this Final Rule will allow programs to continue to do what they do best: serve children and families in a safe, healthy, and community-driven manner,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “We thank the Administration for providing, at long last, clear guidance on masking and we are hopeful they will quickly address the unresolved questions about the vaccination mandate as an immediate next step.”