Moving in the Right Direction

Fifty years ago, one of the most significant early childhood education programs was signed into law: Head Start. Fast forward to 2015 and the program has helped prepare millions of children for success in school. This week's anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Head Start and strengthen the program for future generations.
 

As House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) wrote in a recent op-ed:

Each year the federal government invests almost $9 billion in Head Start, or approximately $14,000 for each child enrolled, because we know, for many children, a ‘head start’ pays off in the long run …

Findings from the 2012 Head Start Impact Study reveal a program in need of improvement. For example, while children enrolled in Head Start for a full year showed progress on all measures, the study also found that most of the gains children receive in the program do not last through the end of the third grade …

Parents, educators, policymakers, and taxpayers all share a responsibility to ensure our investment in Head Start delivers a quality experience and yields lasting results for every child enrolled. Congress is committed to achieving that goal and making sure a well-intentioned program is meeting the needs of the children and families it was envisioned to serve 50 years ago.

In an effort to improve Head Start, members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee have outlined five key principles for reform:

• Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens;
                   
• Encourage local innovation;
                      
• Strengthen coordination between Head Start and programs at the state and local levels;
                                            
• Improve the quality of eligible providers; and
                       
• Enhance parental engagement to support their child’s best interests.

To transform these goals into a legislative reality, the committee is seeking feedback from parents, members of the Head Start community, and the boarder American public. As Chairman Kline wrote: “I am hopeful Congress can work to send the president a bill to reform the Head Start Act that reflects your observations, experiences, and solutions. We have work to do. We need your help. And time is running out.”
 
Those interested in sharing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions should submit feedback to headstart.reform@mail.house.gov by June 1.

To learn more about the committee’s efforts to reform Head Start, click here.

# # #