BOISE, Idaho – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has opened a 60‑day comment period on a sweeping rule change that would require every Head Start program to conduct instruction solely in English, with an exception only for Native American sites that preserve tribal heritage. The proposal runs counter to 18 years of bilingual policy in Idaho’s migrant and seasonal Head Start program, which serves 677 children from birth to age five at ten locations across the state.
Local program directors stress the value of the home language
“Research shows that if children get a firm foundation in their primary home language, it’s easier to acquire a second language,” said Kathy Bayless, program director for the Community Council of Idaho’s migrant and seasonal Head Start. Bayless explained that the current model introduces Spanish‑only instruction in infant rooms, adds English songs and stories for toddlers, and moves to a balanced half‑English, half‑Spanish curriculum by age three. By the time children reach kindergarten, roughly 90% of instruction is in English, ensuring a smooth transition to public schools.
Federal rationale ties to President Trump’s official‑language order
The proposed rule aligns with an executive order signed by President Trump in March 2025 that designates English as the official language of the United States. The administration argues that “learning English opens doors economically for families and helps individuals better engage with their communities,” and that a uniform English‑only standard will help achieve those goals for young learners.
Researchers caution against abandoning bilingual instruction
Alexandra Figueras‑Daniel, a research professor at the National Institute for Early Education Research, agrees that children must learn English but warns that the process is faster and more effective when the home language is supported. She and colleague Christina Stephens recently released a policy brief titled “An English‑Only Mandate for Head Start Will Harm Children,” citing a randomized control trial that found Spanish‑speaking children in dual‑language immersion classrooms learned English at the same rate as peers in English‑only settings while retaining their Spanish skills.
Figueras‑Daniel added that robust support for the home language also boosts executive function, helping children maintain focus, follow directions, shift tasks, and persist through challenges.
Local officials anticipate challenges if the rule is adopted
“If the regulations came through and all instruction had to be in English, it would make it far more difficult and be handicapping to the individuals that we serve,” said Terry Blom, director of community relations for the Community Council of Idaho. Blom noted that Head Start standards are historically fluid and that many proposals never survive the comment process unchanged.
Bayless emphasized that the program will continue its current bilingual approach while the rule remains a proposal. “The guidance we’ve received so far is to continue with what’s already in place,” she said. “We don’t know if these changes will happen.”
Public comment period open
Stakeholders have until October 6 to submit comments on the proposed rule. Local parents, educators, and advocacy groups are encouraged to share their perspectives, especially regarding the potential impact on children from illegal‑immigrant households who rely on bilingual instruction to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps.
As the debate unfolds, Idaho’s migrant and seasonal Head Start program remains committed to its dual‑language model, aiming to equip children with both English proficiency and a strong foundation in their native language.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
