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Chairman Walberg Reacts to GAO Report Outlining Serious Negligence in Head Start Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 21, 2025
Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement on a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report outlining serious negligence and a total lack of oversight of taxpayer dollars funneled to Head Start programs:

“I am incredibly disturbed by the shocking details of this report. Head Start programs are supposed to provide support to our country’s neediest children – instead, we continue to find that Head Start programs endanger the safety and wellbeing of the children for which these programs are meant to help. These programs continue to suck up millions in taxpayer funding without serious accountability or oversight. We have an obligation to protect these children and end this gross negligence immediately.

“Our children deserve opportunities to thrive and grow in a safe, responsible environment.”

BACKGROUND: Head Start programs are managed by the Office of Head Start (OHS) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support children in need. 

Today, GAO released its report, “Action Needed to Reduce Potential Risks to Children and Federal Funds in Programs under Interim Management.” The report outlines OHS’ completely inept efforts to monitor the funding it receives from taxpayers and other serious concerns, including:
  • OHS lost count of injuries, abuse, and child safety concerns occurring at Head Start programs.
  • OHS does not monitor the quality or content of classroom materials in Head Start programs under interim management.
  • OHS does not monitor how Head Start programs under interim management spend or manage grants.

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