RFK Jr. excludes undocumented kids from Head Begin: What to know

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Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration is reversing many years of federal coverage to exclude undocumented kids from the federal preschool program Head Begin, in its newest assault on immigrants within the US.

Who will likely be affected? Youngsters with out authorized immigration standing will likely be straight excluded from this system underneath Thursday’s announcement, however the impression will likely be broader. Because the Nationwide Head Begin Affiliation wrote in response to the news , “Makes an attempt to impose such a requirement threaten to create worry and confusion amongst all households who're centered on elevating wholesome kids, prepared to reach faculty and life.”

What does Head Begin do? Head Begin is an early childhood training program for low-income and homeless kids between the ages of three and 5, run on the nationwide stage by the Division of Well being and Human Companies however largely administered on the native stage. Amongst different advantages, it additionally supplies vitamin help for enrolled kids and, crucially, dependable youngster care for his or her dad and mom.

Why is the coverage altering? Because the training publication Chalkbeat pointed out , this alteration suits with a deliberate technique by the Trump administration to make life more durable for undocumented immigrants and power them to self-deport. In February, President Donald Trump signed an govt order directing the federal government to exclude undocumented immigrants from extra applications.

What else did HHS change? Thursday’s announcement doesn’t simply impression Head Begin, however not less than 12 different applications, together with psychological well being and substance abuse help, that the administration is now reclassifying as “federal public advantages” so as to exclude undocumented immigrants.

What’s the massive image? Information on the benefits of early childhood education is sophisticated, as my colleague Kelsey Piper has reported — however analysis means that it could have a positive lifelong impact on outcomes for youngsters. The Trump administration’s choice excludes a gaggle of kids younger sufficient that they might know no different dwelling than america from these advantages.

And with that, it’s time to sign off…

The pygmy hippo Moo Deng, who grew to become a worldwide sensation final yr for her puckish antics, turned 1 on Thursday and celebrated with a “cake” manufactured from fruit and veggies. Final yr, my colleague Li Zhou examined what makes Moo Deng and her friends on the planet of viral child animals so fashionable — it’s an awesome piece that additionally encompasses a very fluffy penguin chick and a child beaver. I hope you give it a learn, and if there are some other child animals who've stolen your coronary heart lately, I’d like to see pictures. Have an awesome weekend!