Committee on Education and Labor : U.S. House of Representatives

Press Releases

Importance of Early Childhood Education Emphasized By Witnesses at House Hearing on Head Start

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- In testimony before the Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee today, childhood development experts and providers emphasized the importance of the Head Start program to children and families, and offered ideas on how to improve the program.

"There is now a significant science of early intervention that shows…the long-term benefits to young children from their participation in high-quality early intervention programs," said Dr. Ross A. Thompson, a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California-Davis.  "These studies collectively indicate that early intervention programs can improve developmental outcomes for children who are at risk of long-term difficulty."

U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), chairman of the subcommittee, called today's hearing to highlight key issues for the reauthorization of Head Start, including expanding access to Early Head Start (which serves children from birth to age three), accountability, and school readiness.  Head Start serves nearly one million low-income children and their families. It has not been reauthorized since 1998.

"Head Start is a critical program for many children and their families throughout the country. Today's hearing is an important step in improving and reauthorizing this program," Congressman Kildee said. "As chairman of this subcommittee, I will do everything I can to ensure that Head Start best serves our children."

H. "Mac" McKeever, director of the Out-County Head Start program in Genesee County, Michigan, testified about the importance of Head Start as a service for the entire family.  "Making sure that our children are ready to learn includes providing support for the entire family.  These are the most vulnerable, highest risk families we can identify…Head Start works because it is a true comprehensive program and the services we provide to families are what make the difference and set us apart."

Pearlie Hardin Elloie, director of Head Start for Total Community Action, Inc. of New Orleans, spoke about her organization's response to Hurricane Katrina and the flexibility needed for local programs to adapt to unique circumstances.  "The situation . . . while much improved, is still dismal in New Orleans.  We are in need of help and we need it now.  Low-income children and families can no longer afford to wait…Head Start can continue to be a beacon of hope, information and resource to eligible families.  We must continue to be a viable part of the recovery for our beloved city." 

Barbara Haxton, executive director of the Ohio Head Start Association, discussed desired improvements in the oversight process. "We all want to see every Head Start program function consistently at a high quality performance level as they provide needed services to our children and families," Haxton said. "Our children deserve nothing less."

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