Head Start Commentary
September 25, 2006
Dear Editor:
Earlier this year we released information about a reduction of federal funds for the Head Start Program and the effect on local programming. This letter is being sent as a letter to the editor or guest commentary on the status of the Head Start Program, both nationally and locally.
The following is a reprint of an excerpt from U.S. Representative George Miller, the Committee On Education And The Workforce:
“Update on Head Start Reauthorization Updated 1/25/2006
What is Head Start?
Head Start is our country's premiere early education program for children from low income families, providing a high-quality comprehensive early education to help these children enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life. Children between the ages of three and five are eligible for Head Start and infants and toddlers are eligible for Early Head Start when their family's income is at or below the poverty line ($16,600/yr for a family of 3). To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program in your area, use the national Head Start program search tool: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/hsweb/index.jsp .
Started in 1965 under President Johnson, Head Start and Early Head Start serve more than 900,000 low-income children and their families each year, and have played an important role in improving the lives of more than 20 million children and their families. Growing up in poverty is one of the strongest predictors of academic difficulties; an "achievement gap" between low-income children and their more affluent peers begins before kindergarten and continues through elementary and secondary education. Head Start is a critical part of this country's effort to combat the effects of poverty and ensure all of our children have the opportunity and skills they need to thrive.
Does Head Start Work?
Head Start is one of the most evaluated federal programs, and research concludes that Head Start works. Studies find that Head Start students show IQ gains, are at national norms in early reading and writing by the end of kindergarten, are more likely to graduate from high school, and are less likely to need special education, repeat a grade, or commit crimes in adolescence. This suggests that not only does Head Start teach key developmental skills when children are in the program, but it also prepares children to better benefit from teaching once they attend elementary school.
A recent large-scale study by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) found that Head Start helps children make gains in cognitive development and narrows the achievement gap. In June 2005, HHS released a report on the first year findings from the Impact Study - a congressionally-mandated study that requires HHS to evaluate the impact of Head Start on the children and families it serves. This rigorous study found Head Start improves children's pre-reading skills, pre-writing skills, and vocabulary. After less than one school-year, Head Start narrowed the achievement gap by 45% in the area of pre-reading and by 28% in pre-writing. The study also found Head Start changed parenting practices, such as increasing the frequency parents read to their children. In addition, Head Start helped decrease some of children's hyperactivity. For a useful explanation of these findings, you can read a policy brief prepared by the Society for Research on Child Development at http://www.srcd.org/documents/policy/Impactstudy.pdf ”
Lincoln Hills Development Corporation (LHDC) operates the Head Start Program in the four (4) counties of Crawford, Harrison, Perry and Spencer. Last year the funded enrollment was 269 with 297 children served due to turnover, however at any one time LHDC cannot exceed its funded enrollment level. This year because of reduced funds the enrollment level has been cut to 264. These children are served in the following listed Head Start Centers:
North Crawford/English: 34 Children
South Crawford/Marengo:18 Children
Harrison/Corydon: 52 Children
North Perry/Leopold: 18 Children
South Perry/Tell City: 74 Children
North Spencer/Dale: 34 Children
South Spencer/Rockport: 34 Children
In addition to the numerous national studies that have been done, we have seen on a personal and local level the success of hundreds, if not thousands, of children and families that have been able to participate in the Head Start Program. One example of a “success story” - In 1978 a young girl was enrolled in our Head Start Program. Her father had just been killed in an accident and she came to us from a single parent family, obviously through no fault of her own. Through her hard work and a little help from Head Start she is now a physician.
We could relay numerous stories of success and, yes, even some stories of failures. However in the interest of time, suffice it to say we believe the Head Start Program is a wise investment of federal tax resources and a good return on the investment of your tax dollars to provide a better future for all of us.
Head Start is a significant part of the LHDC Mission:
HELPING PEOPLE. CHANGING LIVES.
Lincoln Hills Development Corporation, a locally governed Community Action Agency, engages in making life better by providing opportunities, which empower people to improve the quality of life and address the causes and effects of poverty in Southern Indiana.
Larry K. Kleeman Joan Ritchie
Executive Director President