CARD Head Start & Early Head Start

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

NPRM Series: What Could Change?

Head Start is more than early education. For decades, comprehensive health services have helped children access screenings, dental care, nutrition support, mental health services, and follow-up care.

The proposed NPRM would remove many of the detailed federal requirements that guide these services. While health services would still be required under the Head Start Act, fewer standards could mean services look different across communities.

Why does this matter? Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children live in a household experiencing food insecurity, and half of children enrolled in Medicaid do not receive dental services.

Healthy children are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive. ❤️

This NPRM is only a proposal. These changes are not currently in effect.

Source: National Head Start Association, Head Start and Comprehensive Health Services, August 2026

Head Start is about more than early learning. For generations, its comprehensive approach has helped connect children and families with health, dental, vision, nutrition, and mental health services that can help children arrive in the classroom ready to learn.

The Head Start Program Performance Standards provide specific requirements for this work, from developmental, behavioral, vision, and hearing screenings to helping families access healthcare and insurance.

As the federal government considers proposed changes to these standards, one of NHSA’s latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issue briefs takes a closer look at Head Start’s comprehensive health services, what the research tells us, and what could be at stake for children and families.

Read the issue brief: https://nhsa.box.com/s/glgkpoi754s2jt3o2ja0c7308ypdmc07

09/01/2026

Rest in peace, Dolly Parton.

Dolly believed every child should have the chance to grow up with books. Inspired by her father, who could not read or write, she started the Imagination Library to send free books to children from birth to age 5.

Her mission is one we hold close at C.A.R.D. Head Start & Early Head Start: helping little ones learn, grow, and dream big.

Dolly’s legacy will continue to live on in generations of little readers.

C.A.R.D. families: Sign your little reader up to receive a FREE book in the mail each month!

https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/

Thank you, Dolly.

For decades, Dolly Parton has helped put books into the hands of millions of young children through her Imagination Library, beginning at birth.

And those books represent so much more than learning to read.

In the earliest years, sharing a book is a chance for babies and toddlers to hear new words, explore the world, connect with the people who love them and build the relationships that help their brains grow. Long before a child can read the words on a page, they’re learning through every story, snuggle, point and conversation.

Inspired by her own father, who never had the opportunity to learn to read, Dolly turned a deeply personal experience into a commitment to making books more accessible to families, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

Her work is a powerful reminder that every child deserves opportunities to learn, connect and thrive from the very beginning.

Thank you, Dolly, for believing in babies.

08/23/2026

Big changes to Head Start are being proposed, and your voice matters.

The federal government has proposed major changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the rules that guide how Head Start programs across the nation serve children and families. These changes are NOT final, and public comments are open through October 6, 2026!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be digging into some of the biggest proposed changes and sharing what they could mean for C.A.R.D. Head Start and Early Head Start children, families, staff, and programs.

Parents, staff, and community partners are encouraged to learn more and share their own experiences through the public comment process before the deadline on October 6th, 2026.

Learn more about the proposed changes:
NHSA 2026 NPRM Resources & Summary
https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/

Submit a public comment by October 6:
Official Federal Rule & Comment Information
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ACF-2026-0595

Stay tuned as we break down the issues and help our community stay informed.

Fewer rules cannot equal fewer results. Keep the promise.

08/18/2026

08/13/2026

Need help finding resources for you or your family?

Whether you're looking for help with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, mental health services, childcare, employment, or other community resources, the Tulsa Area Resource Directory is a great place to start.

This free tool connects individuals and families with local organizations that can help meet a variety of needs.

🔗 https://www.tulsahope.info/help

At C.A.R.D. Head Start & Early Head Start, we believe no family should have to navigate challenges alone. If you need support, we're here to help connect you with the resources you need!

This page will help you sort through and find the charities who can help.

08/10/2026

To infinity and beyond! Our Card Head Start team came together for our preservice back-to-school training, getting ready for another great year of learning, growing, and serving our children and families.

A big thank you to Claremore First Methodist Church for letting us use your space, and to CREOKS Health Services for joining us and sharing valuable resources.

And a special thank you to our incredible staff who worked hard to make this event happen. We’re ready for another great year together!

08/10/2026

Neural Nugget: Between 0–3 years old, a child’s brain forms over 1 million neural connections per second. This time in life is the most pivotal, and also the most vulnerable for brain development. Early experiences shape cognitive development in early childhood.

We’ve made the science of baby brain development accessible for all. The Baby Brain Map is your interactive guide to early brain science. Start exploring now and help lay the foundation for healthy growth: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

08/04/2026

Head Start families are powerful advocates! If C.A.R.D. Head Start or Early Head Start has made a difference for your child or family, now is a great time to share your support.

Congress is making important decisions about the future of Head Start, and hearing directly from families can make a real difference. Please take one minute to send a message through the NHSA Take Action Center and help ensure Head Start programs continue serving children and families for years to come!

Congress is making decisions that will shape the future of Head Start, and your voice can help ensure lawmakers hear directly from the people who know its impact best.

Take just one minute today to send a message through NHSA's Take Action Center. Every message helps keep Head Start front and center with Congress during the August recess.

One minute. One message. Every day in August.

Send today's message at https://hubs.la/Q04rzm0q0

07/27/2026

Reminder, Broken Arrow families!

Our Southside Open House is THIS WEDNESDAY!

If you're looking for a preschool or early childhood program for your little one, now is the perfect time to stop by and see what CARD Head Start & Early Head Start is all about!

Come:
Tour our classrooms, meet our caring teachers and staff, visit with Action Vision/Pediatric Dental Group and community partners, enroll your child for Fall 2026 and receive immunizations from the Tulsa Health Department Caring Van (3:00–5:00 PM)

509 W. Houston St.
Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Wednesday, July 29
2:00–5:00 PM

We can't wait to welcome your family and show you how CARD Head Start helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. See you Wednesday!