President Bush's Budget Cuts
Will Leave Children Behind
( 02/15/06 )
The recently approved federal budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the period of October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006 includes a one percent (1%) cut of funds for the Head Start preschool program. And President Bush has recommended level funding for the new federal fiscal year that begins October 1st, 2006, effectively eroding the program even further.
Since it began in 1965, Head Start has helped more than 22 million 3 to 5 year old children nationally build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and life. Head Start is unique in its comprehensive approach to the needs of children and families; it offers early education, health care, social services, nutrition services, and has a strong focus on parent involvement and support. The program targets children living at or below the federal poverty level. Regulations also require that programs reserve at least 10% of their slots for children with disabilities.
This approach has been a formula for success for over 40 years – Head Start works!
According to FACES, the latest study conducted by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start is giving America ’s poorest children what it promises – a head start in preparing them for school. The data show that:
- The program narrows the gap between disadvantaged children and all children in vocabulary and writing skills.
- Head Start children are leaving the program ready to learn.
- Once in Kindergarten, Head Start graduates make substantial progress in word knowledge, letter recognition, math skills, and writing skills relative to national averages.
According to the Children’s Defense Fund, numerous other studies confirm that Head Start is effective. They find that children who have graduated from Head Start are:
- Less likely to repeat a grade.
- Less likely to need special education services.
- More likely to graduate from high school.
Locally, Lincoln Hills Development Corporation (LHDC) has operated the Head Start program in Crawford, Harrison, Perry and Spencer Counties for over 40 years, currently serving 269 children in 10 different classrooms located in 7 different state licensed Head Start childcare centers. Centers are located in English, south of Marengo, Corydon, on the Perry Central School campus, Tell City , Rockport and Dale.
LHDC is currently analyzing how to implement these budget cuts, and options being considered for these local centers include:
- Reducing or eliminating bus routes.
- Closing classrooms or centers.
- Reducing hours of service from full day to part day.
- Converting to a home based program option.
Final decisions will be made before May 1st and implemented on or before August 1st to be in compliance with the federal regulations.
LHDC Executive Director, Larry K. Kleeman, stated, “Whatever final decisions are made by LHDC will inevitably lead to reduced services to children and families living in our services area. To the best of my knowledge this is the first time in the 40-year history of the Head Start program that the budget has been cut. Every President from Kennedy and Johnson through Clinton has supported and expanded the Head Start program. Numerous studies have proved the effectiveness and success of this program and I cannot understand how the current Bush administration pledges to not leave any child behind, and at the same time cut this vital program for our young and vulnerable kids.”