Trump Administration Reforms Head Start Program to Focus on English Language Education

The Trump administration recently announced an overhaul of the Head Start program, including several changes that would emphasize English language learning.

Head Start currently offers instruction in a wide variety of languages. While one class or student may be taught “mostly” in English, the program also offers bilingual support where classes are primarily conducted in a foreign language.

The new rules will mandate that all classroom instruction take place in English, and remove all requirements for bilingual support. Trump administration officials have stated these changes will save billions in federal funds, as well as open up over 200,000 slots in Head Start for children all across the country.

ProEnglish has long advocated for English immersion policies, and this is a positive step toward reinforcing English fluency among all Americans. This change helps bring another government program in compliance with President Trump’s 2025 executive order declaring English as our national language.

At ProEnglish, we’ll continue to advocate in Congress for the passage of H.R. 1772, a bill that would make English the official language of government operations.

Please take action by contacting your congressional representative and asking them to support this important piece of legislation.