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Improving Head Start

by Wyo. GOP Sen. Mike Enzi - 02/13/07 11:46 AM ET

Last evening, I introduced with Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), Chairman of the HELP Committee, Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), Chairman of the Children and Families Subcommittee, and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member of the Children and Families Subcommittee the “Head Start for School Readiness Act,

For many students, Head Start is the beginning of a lifetime of learning opportunities. It is vital that we set clear goals and standards for this critical first step to ensure that these children can develop the knowledge and skills they need to learn and succeed in school. We must also strengthen standards for Head Start teachers to ensure that Head Start programs maximize the impact they have on children.

S. 556 will increase the accountability of Head Start programs by strengthening the role of Head Start governing bodies while preserving the role of the policy councils and parents in the operations of Head Start programs.

Key provisions of the “Head Start for School Readiness Act