Head Start Reauthorization
Published: April 1, 2006
At issue: The President’s budget proposal for Head Start does not keep pace with inflation, and could force 19,000 children out of the program or require comparable cuts in program services. California’s Head Start program is the largest in the country, with more than 104,000 3- to 5-year-olds from low-income families enrolled in 2005 and total program budgets exceeding $823 million. School districts and county offices of education operate one-third of all the programs in the state, accounting for more Head Start programs than local public education agencies in any other state. Congress is considering two proposals to reauthorize Head Start: H.R. 2123 and S. 1107.
CSBA’s position:
- Head Start has made great strides toward closing the achievement gap and providing cost savings to school districts by promoting school readiness, more positive student behavior, reduced special education placement, and reduced grade retention and dropout rates;
- Congress must not make changes to the program that will undermine the progress that Head Start has made since its inception in 1965; and
- Only changes that enhance the program, such as greater coordination with local school districts to ensure alignment with K-12 academic standards, should be considered.
What California needs:
- A cost-of-living adjustment for Head Start that keeps pace with inflation; and
- Continued comprehensive health, nutritional and parental services under Head Start.
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