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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 might be affected? Kids with out authorized immigration standing might be instantly excluded from this system underneath Thursday’s announcement, however the influence might be broader. Because the Nationwide Head Begin Affiliation wrote in response to the information, “Makes an attempt to impose such a requirement threaten to create concern and confusion amongst all households who’re centered on elevating wholesome kids, prepared to reach college 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 degree by the Division of Well being and Human Companies however largely administered on the native degree. Amongst different advantages, it additionally gives diet help for enrolled kids and, crucially, dependable baby care for his or her dad and mom.
Why is the coverage altering? Because the training publication Chalkbeat identified, this alteration matches with a deliberate technique by the Trump administration to make life tougher for undocumented immigrants and pressure them to self-deport. In February, President Donald Trump signed an government order directing the federal government to exclude undocumented immigrants from extra packages.
What else did HHS change? Thursday’s announcement doesn’t simply influence Head Begin, however at the very least 12 different packages, together with psychological well being and substance abuse help, that the administration is now reclassifying as “federal public advantages” with a view to exclude undocumented immigrants.
What’s the massive image? Knowledge on the advantages of early childhood training is difficult, as my colleague Kelsey Piper has reported — however analysis means that it will possibly have a constructive lifelong influence on outcomes for kids. The Trump administration’s choice excludes a bunch 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 turned a worldwide sensation final 12 months for her puckish antics, turned 1 on Thursday and celebrated with a “cake” fabricated from vegetables and fruit. Final 12 months, my colleague Li Zhou examined what makes Moo Deng and her friends on the planet of viral child animals so well-liked — it’s an excellent piece that additionally includes a very fluffy penguin chick and a child beaver. I hope you give it a learn, and if there are another child animals who’ve stolen your coronary heart lately, I’d like to see pictures. Have an excellent weekend!
