Administrative Policy
Administrative policy is how laws are implemented in practice.
Congress and state legislatures pass laws that set overarching goals for public policy — but administrative policy fills in the details that legislation leaves open: the rules and regulations that define how a program is implemented, who qualifies, what documentation is required, and so on. Administrative policy is set by federal and state agencies acting under the authority delegated to them by their corresponding legislative bodies.
Check this page periodically for current rules and regulatory notices related to early childhood issues at the state and federal levels.
Public Comment Period Ends for Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
The 60-day public comment period on the Federal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs” closed on October 6. Over 40,000 comments were submitted, a great many reflecting deep concern over the proposals to drastically reduce and restructure federal regulation of Head Start. If these provisions are adopted, they have the potential to significantly undercut the proven impact of the program by removing federal-level guidance, requirements and oversight that ensure the quality, accountability and consistency of Head Start services.
What Happens Next: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is obligated to review public comments before issuing a Final Rule. When the Final Rule is released, it must include a preamble explaining the intent of the rule and responding to major themes raised in the public comments. Until a Final Rule is issued and put into effect, Head Start will continue to operate under its current structure and standards.
What You Can Do: While it is no longer possible to submit comments on the NPRM, Early Futures Partnership encourages Nebraskans to continue to learn about the provisions in “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs” and how they could negatively affect Head Start services in Nebraska and nationwide.
Federal Register | Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs: Complete text of the NPRM.
Early Futures Partnership’s Letter to Nebraska’s Federal Delegates: Our statement of opposition to the proposed rule change.
FFN’s Head Start NPRM Summary: An outline of the key elements of the NPRM.
“Fewer Rules Cannot Mean Fewer Results”: The National Head Start Association’s Comment on the NPRM
Because October is Head Start Awareness Month, we especially encourage advocates to follow the National Head Start Association on social media and share messages about the importance of comprehensive, high-quality Head Start services for children and families.
State Administrative Policy
State administrative policy is set by agencies such as the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS), the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), and the Nebraska Department of Revenue (NDOR), among others. It encompasses:
Implementing federal requirements for programs such as child care assistance or Medicaid
Implementing state statutes
Removing state budget constraints
Enacting the Governor's administrative priorities
State administrative policy process
State administrative policy follows the process defined by the Nebraska Administrative Procedure Act:
An agency drafts proposed rules or guidance
A public notice is issued
Public comments are solicited and public hearings are conducted
Rules are finalized and implemented
Federal Administrative Policy
Federal administrative policy is set by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and others. It encompasses:
Federal rules and regulations
Guidance and policy memos
Program instructions and grant rules
Oversight and compliance standards
Federal administrative policy process
Federal administrative policy is established through the Administrative Procedure Act:
An agency publishes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
A public comment period opens (typically 30–60 days)
The agency reviews comments and may revise the rule
The final rule is published and takes effect after a minimum of 30 days
How Advocates Can Influence Administrative Policy
Administrative policy can be changed more quickly than legislation — and without a legislative vote — making it a key leverage point for advocates who want to affect how a law works in practice.
At the State Level
Building relationships with agency leadership and program staff is an effective starting point—advocates who are known as credible, solutions-oriented partners are more likely to be consulted before rules are drafted
Serving on advisory councils or task forces puts advocates at the table during the policy development process.
Partnering with service providers and families to document real-world barriers gives advocates the concrete evidence state agencies need to shape administrative policy.
Participating in public hearings or submitting comments is an important way of ensuring your perspectives are represented in the public record and can influence how a rule is shaped.
Visit the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website to see the proposed rules and regulations docket.
Engaging effectively with the governor’s office provides an opportunity to brief policy staff on an issue and communicate concerns that can help shape the governor’s stated administrative goals.
At the Federal Level
Call, email or (if possible) ask for a meeting with your congressional delegates or federal agency staff to express your insights and concerns. Given the demands on elected officials’ time, it is not uncommon that you will be referred to their office staff.
Coordinating sign-on letters that reflect broad coalition support signals to federal decision makers that a concern is widely shared, not isolated.
Submitting written public comments through the Federal Register is one of the most direct ways to influence a proposed rule. Comments that are specific, well-documented and grounded in evidence are more likely to gain traction.
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