Head Start

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• Introduction
• Current Status
• Recent Legislative Background
• Other Information

Last Updated: March 1, 2007

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Introduction

Head Start is a comprehensive child development program with the aim of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.

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Current Status

The 109th Congress was unable to complete work on a Head Start reauthorization bill. The 110th Congress has stated that Head Start reauthorization is one of its education priorities.

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Recent Legislative Background

On February 14, the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pensions Committee approved the Senate's reauthorization bill (PDF). The Senate bill offers even more opportunities for libraries to play a greater role under Head Start.

• Requires the plan of such applicant to collaborate with a local library, where available, that is interested in that collaboration, to--
  
  
  • `(A) develop innovative programs to excite children about the world of books, such as programs that involve--
    
    
    • `(i) taking children to the library for a story hour;
    • `(ii) promoting the use of library cards;
    • `(iii) developing a lending library or using a mobile library van; and
    • `(iv) providing fresh books in the Head Start classroom on a regular basis;
      
      
  • `(B) assist in literacy training for Head Start teachers; and
    
    
  • `(C) support parents and other caregivers in literacy efforts;

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Other Information

• Letter from Emily Sheketoff to Rep. Grijalva (PDF)
  
  
• Office of Head Start
  
  
• Washington Post editorial "Good Start" (registration required)

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