Head Start
Last Updated: November 12, 2007
Introduction
Head Start is a comprehensive child development program with the aim of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. As the program description states:
The Head Start program provides grants to local public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. In FY 1995, the Early Head Start program was established to serve children from birth to three years of age in recognition of the mounting evidence that the earliest years matter a great deal to children's growth and development.
Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. They engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.
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Current Status
The ALA Washington Office is pleased to announce that the U.S. House and Senate have approved the conference for the Improving Head Start Act (H.R. 1429). Head Start is a comprehensive child development program with the aim of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.
ALA advocated for language to be included that provides opportunities for libraries to play a greater role in Head Start programs. That language was included in the conference report. By recognizing the important role that public libraries play in improving literacy and school readiness in the Head Start reauthorization bill, libraries across the country can continue to develop new, innovative programs to provide young children with the tools they need to succeed in school and life.
The bill has been sent to the President for his signature.
The conference report calls for applicants to coordinate and collaborate with other public or private entities providing early childhood education and development programs and services for young children in the community involved, including:
(vii) local entities, such as a public or school library, for —
- conducting reading readiness programs;
- developing innovative programs to excite children about the world of books, including providing fresh books in the Head Start classroom;
- assisting in literacy training for Head Start teachers; and
- supporting parents and other caregivers in literacy efforts.
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Recent Legislative Background
On February 14, 2007, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions met in executive session and favorably reported the Head Start for School Readiness Act (S. 556), unanimously with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
On March 14, 2007, the House Education and Labor Committee approved the Improving Head Start Act of 2007 (H.R. 1429), by a vote of 42-1. On May 2, 2007, the House passed the bill by a vote of 365-48.
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Other Information
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