Field Hearing On Reauthorization Of Head Start

These hearing transcripts present testimony concerning the reauthorization of the Head Start Act taken at the 1994 National Head Start Conference. Much of the testimony was from Head Start administrators concerning the efficacy of specific programs and activities funded by the Head Start Act, particularly those which they would like to see expanded or improved. Presented is testimony by (1) California Representative Matthew Martinez; (2) two Head Start parents; (3) four Head Start regional directors; (4) the president of the South Carolina Head Start Association; (5) two directors of local Head Start programs; (6) two members of the National Migrant Head Start Program; (7) the president of the Indian Head Start Association; (8) the vice-president of the National Head Start Association; (9) the curriculum director of the Early Childhood Professional Development Network; and (10) a member of the Head Start Collaboration Project in Ohio. (MDM)

Head Start is a federal program that has provided comprehensive early childhood development services to low-income children since 1996. Services provided to preschool-aged children include child development, educational health, nutritional, social and other activities, intended to prepare low-income children for entering kindergarten. The program is administered by the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unlike many other social service programs, federal Head Start funds are provided directly to local grantees, rather than through states. Programs are locally designed, and are administered by a network of about 1,500 public and private nonprofit agencies. outlines the past, present and future of this socially beneficial program. The long-term impact on the children aided, particularly with respect to educational attainment, is addressed and continues to be an area of focus and concern. In addition, the numerous roadblocks that exist with regard to the Head Start program, are assessed and handled accordingly. CONTENTS: Preface; Head Start: Background and Funding (Alice Butler and Melinda Gish); Head Start Issues in the 108th Congress (Alice Butler and Melinda Gish); Head Start: Better Data and Processes Needed to Monitor Underenrollment (Marnie S. Shaul); Bibliography; Index.