The Biden administration has announced a pay increase for educators in the Head Start program to address a severe workforce shortage and improve program quality. New rules will require large operators to align employee wages with those in local school districts by 2031 and provide health insurance, while smaller operators must show progress in raising pay. Many Head Start programs have reduced the number of children and families they serve due to a lack of staff, with a quarter of teachers leaving for higher-paying jobs in other sectors. Head Start, which serves low-income families, has seen its enrollment drop from over a million to about 650,000. The initiative aims to retain current employees and attract new ones, despite criticism from some Republicans who view it as political maneuvering. Overall, the administration believes the increased compensation will enhance the quality of early childhood education provided by Head Start.