Lower Columbia College Head Start is warning local families about proposed federal changes that could reduce Head Start services as soon as next school year.

LCC Head Start Program Director Mindy Leasure said in a release that the proposed rule could increase the number of children assigned to each teacher, reduce the Head Start teaching workforce, shorten school days or school years, create new enrollment barriers and eliminate mandatory comprehensive support services.

LCC currently serves over 300 children and families through Head Start, Early Head Start and ECEAP at eight locations in Longview, Kelso and Castle Rock.

The public can comment on the proposed rule through October 6th at Regulations.gov. Comments should reference Docket No. ACF-2026-0595.